Orioles vs. Rays discussion

ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - AUGUST 16: Christian Encarnacion-Strand #32 of the Baltimore Orioles celebrates a two RBI double in the top of the sixth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on August 16, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Parker Freedman/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Orioles will play the fourth and final game of the series tonight in Tampa Bay. Wrap-around weekend series are rare these days. So are four-game sweeps of first place teams. Baltimore can’t control its schedule, but it can dictate the results on the field tonight.

The O’s won a pair of one-run games before thumping the Rays 10-2 on Sunday. They’ll look to finish the job this evening against Shane McClanahan (9-6, 3.09 ERA).

Tyler O’Neill will play right field and bat leadoff against the lefty. He’ll be followed by designated hitter Pete Alonso and second baseman Jackson Holliday. Coby Mayo will bat cleanup and play first base.

Gunnar Henderson will look to ride a recent hot streak from the five hole. Christian Encarnacion-Strand will handle the hot corner, and Jeremiah Jackson will play left field. Christian Franklin will play center field and bat ninth. Carlos Narváez will hit eighth and catch Brandon Young.

Young (9-3, 3.33 ERA) is looking for his 10th win of the season. The majority of Baltimore’s high-leverage relievers should be available following yesterday’s blowout win.

Orioles lineup

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

Starter: RHP Brandon Young (9-3, 3.33 ERA)