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Baltimore Orioles: 3 things to watch for in short series vs. Pirates

By Nate Wardle

Jun 1, 2017; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Wade Miley (38) and Orioles catcher Caleb Joseph (36) walk back to the dugout after warming up in the bullpen prior to their game against the Boston Red Sox at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Patrick McDermott-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 1, 2017; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Wade Miley (38) and Orioles catcher Caleb Joseph (36) walk back to the dugout after warming up in the bullpen prior to their game against the Boston Red Sox at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Patrick McDermott-USA TODAY Sports /
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Baltimore Orioles: Kevin Gausman
May 26, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Kevin Gausman (39) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

The June portion of the Baltimore Orioles schedule brings them to a short two-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates from Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The Baltimore Orioles are getting a brief reprieve from their American League East foes over the next few days. They face the Pirates for two games, and then have the makeup game against the Washington Nationals. After that, a trip to Yankee Stadium pits them against the current AL East leaders, who are set to begin a series against the rival Boston Red Sox.

So, what should the Orioles expect in this series against a team that many Oriole fans still feel bitter against from the 1970s?

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Let’s start with the lineup.

The Pirates have been decimated by the loss of All-Star Starling Marte to an 80-day suspension. Marte is arguably the best MLB player to be suspended since the Biogenesis suspensions. With Andrew McCutcheon at his new standard, which is different from his MVP-caliber seasons, the Pirates’ outfield has struggled a bit. Gregory Polanco is hitting .264, but McCutcheon is hitting .234.

The Pirates have been led by their infielders, with Adam Frazier, Josh Harrison and Jordy Mercer all having good seasons for the Bucs. Harrison and Frazier are hitting .308, and the talented young Josh Bell has 11 home runs.

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