West Coast trip could define Baltimore Orioles’ season

The Baltimore Orioles are kicking off a ten-game road trip on the West Coast that could be their most pivotal stretch of games all season.

TheBaltimore Oriolesare kicking off a ten-game road trip on the West Coast in Anaheim against the Angels on Monday, before facing the Oakland Athletics and Seattle Mariners.

After a 5-2 home stand featuring a sweep and a four-game series split, the Orioles now take their talents to the West Coast.

It may be the most pivotal stretch of their season.

The Baltimore Orioles play six games against the Angels and Mariners on the trip. Those Angels are half a game behind the Orioles, three games out of the second wild card. The Angels, of course, are led byMike Trout. But, who else do they have?

Funny you ask that. Let’s start with their pitching. The Orioles will be throwingDylan Bundy,Jeremy HellicksonandKevin Gausmanin the series. The Angels will counter withJ.C. Ramirez,Parker BridwellandTroy Scribner.

Only heard of Bridwell? You aren’t the only one.

Ramirez is 10-9 with a 4.03 ERA in 21 starts in 2017, his only year as a starter over a career spanning 132 games. Bridwell is 5-1 with a 3.20 ERA in his first year as a starter after being traded by the Orioles to the Angels. Scribner will be making his second career start, and fourth career major league appearance.

The Baltimore Orioles will not faceTyler SkaggsandRicky Nolasco. Skaggs has only made six starts this season, Nolasco has been awful, but the Angels have nowhere else to turn. The Orioles should have the upper hand, not only in the rotation, but also the bullpen.

The Angels bullpen consists of closerBud Norris, who has really struggled lately after a strong first half. He is followed by Yusmiero Petit,Blake Parker,Cam Bedrosian, Kenyan Middleton,Eduardo ParedesandJesse Chavez. Again, a strong upper hand to the Orioles here.

This is a team that has been decimated by injuries. Expected startersNick Tropeano,Garrett RichardsandAndrew Heaneyare all on the 60-day disabled list.Matt Shoemakerjust went back on the DL, and he is done for the year.Huston Street,Alex MeyerandAndrew Baileyin the bullpen are all on the disabled list.

A look at the position players on the depth chart reveals a team just getting by. Trout is flanked byKole CalhounandBen Reverein the outfield. Calhoun has been a source of power for the Angels, and is emerging as a very good player for the Angels. Revere is the third option in left field, behindCameron MaybinandEric YoungJr., who are both hurt.

The infield features very strong defense up the middle inAndrelton SimmonsandCliff Pennington. The offense from those guys can be a question mark, however.Yunel EscobarandLuis Valbuenahold down the corner infield spots, butKaleb Cowartis also starting to see more playing time.

Albert Pujolsis the DH, and has had a strong season, andMartin MaldonadoandJuan Graterolare behind the plate.

If you think the Baltimore Orioles should win this series, it is because they should. But, we all know the games are played on paper.

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