The Baltimore Orioles will then head up the coast a little ways to Oakland, where they will start a four-game series against one of the worst teams in the American League, the Oakland Athletics. The Orioles typically struggle at Oakland Coliseum, something they cannot do in 2017.
The Athletics are a team that just traded All-StarYonder Alonsoto the Mariners, so the Birds will not faceManny Machado‘s brother-in-law (at least for a few games).
Their rotation appears to line up asPaul Blackburn,Sean Manaea,Daniel Gossettand Kendell Graverman. Again, not exactly a lineup ofCy Youngs. The Orioles will hurlWade Miley,Ubaldo Jimenez,Dylan BundyandJeremy Hellicksonagainst those four. While the Orioles’ pitching isn’t fantastic, Manaea is likely the only pitcher for the Athletics who is a better matchup, but that actually requires the Orioles to pitch the way they have been lately.
In the field, the Athletics feature catcherBruce Maxwell, who has played in a total of 75 games in his career. Around the horn goesRyon Healy, who takes over at first base,Jed Lowrie,Marcus SemienandMatt Chapmanat third base. And, that is if Lowrie doesn’t get traded, which is possible.
In the outfield, the Athletics haveKhris Davis,Rajai DavisandMatt Joyce. So, while it appears the Baltimore Orioles again should be able to have their way, the outfield gives me pause. Rajai’s speed has been a headache in the past for the Orioles from his time in Toronto. The otherKhris Davisis known for his power, and Joyce has had success against Baltimore as well.
The Athletics bullpen is anchored byBlake Treinen(acquired in the trade with Washington forRyan MadsonandSean Doolittle),Santiago Casilla, Liam Hendricks,Ryan Dulland a number of relative unknowns.
Again, a series the Orioles should and must win as they will be near the middle of August at this point.
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