The Orioles are refreshed after yesterday’s break, which the bullpen needed, and ready to host the Athletics for three games and dive back into division competition with four against the Yankees.
Eight of nine series will be outside the American League East before the Yankees come to town.
It could have something or nothing to do with the 16-8 record and eight wins in the last 10 games. This is a very good team, which falls way short of a hot take. Just stating the facts.
The Orioles will be in the playoffs. The only question is whether they’re still active in November. I’m not making any plans until the second week of the month.
On paper at least, they can only get better with injured pitchers returning, Jackson Holliday eventually being Jackson Holliday, other prospects ready for promotion, and one or more trades likely at the deadline.
On the field, there are more interesting developments and questions to ponder before Corbin Burnes jogs out of the dugout tonight.
The first rotation complication is almost upon us.
The game notes stated that Albert Suárez would start Sunday afternoon against Oakland at Camden Yards, and the Athletics’ notes yesterday had the same. A risky move, of course, because Suárez might actually surrender a run. Someone please save the streak.
Manager Brandon Hyde told the assembled media in Anaheim that John Means is a consideration for Sunday rather than making one more rehab start with Triple-A Norfolk. But Suárez is the guy if that doesn’t happen.
What if it does?
Súarez would pitch the first game of the Yankees series, which didn’t seem like a stellar idea about a month ago but now sounds like a solid plan. However, that’s based on the assumption that Suárez stays in the rotation. He’s earned it, right?
Of course he has.
Left-hander Cole Irvin is listed for Saturday after shutting out the Royals for 6 2/3 innings in Kansas City. Is he pitching for his rotation life against the Athletics? His finest outing with the Orioles didn’t necessarily lock down a spot.
No one in their right mind would classify Burnes, Grayson Rodriguez or Dean Kremer as vulnerable. My mind is questionable, but I wouldn’t peg the Orioles as a six-man rotation team.
