Orioles lineup vs. Rockies

Jack Flaherty is ready to make today’s start, his fourth since joining the Orioles in a deadline trade with the Cardinals.

Flaherty was pushed back after experiencing general soreness and saying he didn’t “bounce back” from his last start and ensuing workout. He’s allowed 10 runs and 10 hits in eight innings in his last two starts.

Today’s opponent seems to suit him. He’s registered a 1.90 ERA and 0.887 WHIP in four career starts against the Rockies in 23 2/3 innings.

Gunnar Henderson, with an 11-game hitting streak, is the third baseman today. Jordan Westburg is playing second.

Cedric Mullins is batting eighth. Adley Rutschman is the designated hitter and remains atop the order.

Ryan Mountcastle, who’s batting second, has reached base in 33 of his 34 starts and slashed .368/.434/.600 with eight doubles, seven home runs and 25 RBIs in 38 games since returning from the injured list on July 9.

The Orioles have won four in a row, seven of their last eight, 10 of 13 and 18 of 25. They moved 33 games above .500 for the first time since the conclusion of the 1997 season, and they still lead the second-place Rays by three in the division race.

Today provides the chance for a ninth series sweep.

Their 40 comeback wins are tied with the Reds for most in the majors, and the 76 since the beginning of 2022 are second behind the Dodgers’ 81.

The Rockies have lost six in a row and 13 of 16 to lower their record to 48-81.

Left-hander Ty Blach, who made five starts with the Orioles in 2019, has a 4.39 ERA and 1.561 WHIP in 13 games with the Rockies. Today is his seventh start.

Right-handed hitters have a career .302/.353/.469 line against Blach, who’s never faced the Orioles.

For the Orioles
Adley Rutschman DH
Ryan Mountcastle 1B
Anthony Santander RF
Austin Hays LF
Gunnar Henderson 3B
James McCann C
Jordan Westburg 2B
Cedric Mullins CF
Jorge Mateo SS

Jack Flaherty RHP

This is my last post of the day. Steve Melewski is handling game coverage.