Baltimore Orioles vs Seattle Mariners Picks and Predictions May 18th 2024

Orioles Juggle Pitchers Ahead of Rematchvs. Mariners

Preface

The Baltimore Orioles are gearing up for a demanding stretch in their schedule, and they’ll need all hands on deck when it comes to pitching. With the second-best record in the American League, they have got some flexibility, and director Brandon Hyde is ready to make the most of it as they continue their series against the visiting Seattle Mariners on Saturday afternoon.

Orioles’ Pitching Strategy

Managing the Rotation

The Orioles kicked off their series against the AL West- leading Mariners with a bang, winning 9- 2 on Friday night. This game marked the beginning of a challenging stretch 30 games in 31 days.” There is a lot of juggling right now,” Hyde said.” That is why we are TBA the next couple days, and it’s going to affect roster moves and things like that.”

The Orioles did not play Tuesday( rainout) or Thursday( listed day out), so Hyde wanted to keep some pitchers on their normal rotation. These adaptations meant Cole Irvin, who did not start Friday night, was available in the bullpen instead.

Pitching Adjustments

Grayson Rodriguez Returns

On Saturday morning, the Orioles activated right- hander Grayson Rodriguez from the 15- day injured list to start that day’s game against the Mariners. Rodriguez( 4- 1,3.71 ERA), who had been sidelined by shoulder inflammation, will be facing the Mariners for the first time in his career. Hyde mentioned the Orioles plan to move to a six- man rotation soon.” We are not in that stretch yet,” Hyde said.” But it’s coming soon, so we are trying to keep them all as healthy as possible.. We feel great about adding a really good starter right now into our bullpen. It’s kind of a unique deal.”

Luis Castillo’s Challenge

Luis Castillo( 4- 5,3.31 ERA) will start for the Mariners on Saturday. He is had a decision in all nine of his starts this season, winning four of the last five. Castillo pitched six innings, allowing two runs on solo homers, in Seattle’s 8- 4 win over the Oakland Athletics last Sunday. He is struck out 64 batters in541/3 innings this year, with at least eight strikeouts in half of his last six starts. His only former outing against the Orioles was a victory, where he limited them to one run on two hits over six innings last August.

Mariners’ Recent Performance and Adjustments

Injury Updates and Lineup Changes

The Mariners are in the middle of a 10- game road trip but were without shortstopJ.P. Crawford on Friday. He stayed in Seattle for treatment for a hand injury and remained on the injured list.” Hopefully, he’ll meet up with us at some point on this road trip,” Mariners director Scott Servais said.

Designated hitter Mitch Garver was back in action for the series opener after missing two games with a sore back. The Mariners have struggled offensively, scoring three runs or less in four of their last five road games.

Orioles’ Lineup Adjustments

Cedric Mullins’ Return

The Orioles’ bullpen should be well- rested given their light schedule this week and the fact that no reliever pitched more than an inning on Friday. Center fielder Cedric Mullins, who is batting.183, is anticipated to return to the lineup this weekend despite sitting out Friday night.” Trying to get him right,” Hyde said.” He is so important for us, and I feel really good about the work he is putting in right now. I suppose good things are going to happen soon for him.”

Conclusion

With the Orioles managing their pitching rotation amidst a packed schedule and the Mariners adjusting to lineup changes and injury challenges, Saturday’s game promises to be an interesting matchup. crucial player performances and strategic adaptations will be key as both teams strive for victory. Fans can look forward to a charged and competitive game as Baltimore and Seattle continue their series.