La Dodgers vs Baltimore Orioles Picks and Predictions August 28th 2024

Orioles’ Corbin Burnes wants to start turnaround vs. Dodgers

Baltimore Orioles right-hander Corbin Burnes, a standout in the first half of the season, has faced significant challenges in recent weeks. As the Orioles continue their battle to remain competitive in the American League East, Burnes is keen on regaining his All-Star form when he takes the mound against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the second game of a crucial three-game series on Wednesday.

Burnes’ August Woes

Burnes (12-6, 3.28 ERA) had a stellar start to the season, but his performance has faltered dramatically in August. Over his last four starts, he has posted a concerning 8.71 ERA, allowing 22 runs—the most in any four-start stretch of his career. This rough patch has resulted in a 1-2 record, and Burnes is now at risk of losing three consecutive starts for the first time in his seven-year career.

The Orioles have struggled to find consistency since the All-Star break, holding a 19-18 record. Burnes acknowledges that his return to form is vital for the team’s playoff aspirations, particularly as they try to keep pace with the division-leading New York Yankees.

“I think the way we started off the year is how we think we can play baseball, and we know we can play baseball that way,” Burnes stated after his most recent outing. “It starts with us on the mound, and it starts with me. I haven’t done my job the past few starts. It’s going to take me to turn things around.”

Orioles’ Recent Victory

Despite Burnes’ struggles, the Orioles showed resilience with a narrow 3-2 victory over the Dodgers in the series opener. Key contributors included Ryan O’Hearn and Ramon Urias, the latter delivering a clutch two-run homer in the fifth inning, marking his 10th of the season and fourth in the past 11 games. This win provided a much-needed boost for Baltimore as they look to build momentum.

Dodgers Lean on Buehler Amid Comeback

Opposing Burnes on Wednesday is Dodgers right-hander Walker Buehler, who is also seeking to regain his previous form. Buehler (1-4, 6.09 ERA) has faced a difficult road back after missing two years due to Tommy John surgery and a subsequent hip injury. Since returning, he has struggled with command, issuing seven walks in his last two starts while allowing three earned runs in each outing over 7 1/3 innings combined.

In a bid to aid his recovery, the Dodgers moved Buehler’s start from Tuesday to Wednesday, hoping the extra rest will help him find his rhythm. Buehler expressed cautious optimism about his progress, saying, “I don’t want to sound too optimistic about it, just because of the results, but I came out of that one feeling pretty good about where I’m at and what we’ve done this week in terms of delivery. I’ve been saying, ‘I’ve got to perform, I’ve got to perform,’ but I feel like I can actually perform now.”

Key Dodgers’ Lineup Notes

The Dodgers are also managing injuries in their lineup. First baseman Freddie Freeman, who has been playing through a hairline fracture in his right middle finger, was given a rest day on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Shohei Ohtani continues his historic season with 41 home runs and 40 stolen bases, aiming to become the first player in MLB history to achieve a 50-50 season.

What’s at Stake

The Wednesday matchup between Burnes and Buehler is critical for both teams. For the Orioles, it’s a chance to solidify their standing in the AL East and prove that they can return to their early-season form. For the Dodgers, it’s an opportunity to continue their dominance in the National League while helping Buehler regain his edge.

The performances of Burnes and Buehler will not only impact the outcome of this series but could also shape the trajectory of their respective teams as the season enters its final stretch. Both pitchers are determined to turn their seasons around, making this contest a must-watch for baseball fans.

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