Orioles vs. Rays discussion

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - AUGUST 19: Jackson Holliday #7 of the Baltimore Orioles steals home plate and scores in the first inning against the New York Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 19, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Orioles picked up some momentum last weekend with a series win over the first-place Rays. The good vibes evaporated when the Birds lost three straight to New York, but Baltimore can right the ship today with another series victory over Tampa Bay.

Brandon Young (9-3, 3.52 ERA) will take the mound for the Orioles. Young lasted only four innings in his last outing against Tampa. He’ll look to keep the ball in the park this evening after surrendering three homers last week.

The Rays will counter with left-handed starter Shane McClanahan (9-6, 3.25 ERA). McLanahan failed to complete four innings last week against Baltimore, and the Orioles will look to build on that success tonight.

Jackson Holliday will bat leadoff and play second base. He’ll be followed by designated hitter Pete Alonso and first baseman Coby Mayo. Right fielder Tyler O’Neill will bat cleanup, and Gunnar Henderson will slide down to fifth against the lefty.

Christian Encarnacion-Strand will bat sixth and handle the hot corner. Left fielder Christian Franklin, center fielder Leody Taveras, and catcher Carlos Narváez will complete the lineup. Look for Colton Cowser and Dylan Beavers to be available as pinch-hitters after McClanahan leaves the game.

Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but the Orioles need wins to keep up in the wild card chase. Tonight would mark another step in the right direction.

Orioles lineup

1. J Holliday (L) 2B
2. P Alonso (R) DH
3. C Mayo (R) 1B
4. T O’Neill (R) RF
5. G Henderson (L) SS
6. C Encarnacion-Strand (R) 3B
7. C Franklin (R) LF
8. L Taveras (S) CF
9. C Narváez (R) C

Starter: RHP Brandon Young