Wright vs. Kelly tonight at Camden Yards

I asked earlier this week whether a series at the end of May could be construed as "big" because it involved the top two teams in their division.

I'm wondering now whether it's too early to label tonight's game a "must-win" for the Orioles, who have dropped the first two in the series and are three back in the American League East.

The Red Sox are handling the Orioles with too much ease. They hit three home runs off Kevin Gausman last night in a span of 10 batters.

Mike Wright takes the ball tonight and inherits a pretty big responsibility.

The Orioles have lost seven of their last nine games. It may not qualify as "must-win" on the first day of June, but they need this one.

Wright has lasted five, 5 1/3 and five innings in three of his last four starts. He faced the Red Sox on April 12 at Fenway Park and allowed four runs and five hits in five innings, coming out of the game after 96 pitches.

Over two career starts against the Red Sox, Wright has allowed 10 runs and 11 hits over eight innings for an 11.25 ERA. David Ortiz is 3-for-5 with two home runs and Dustin Pedroia is 2-for-5 with a home run.

Right-handers are batting .216 against Wright - Mookie Betts hits from the right side - but left-handers have posted a .354 average. He's registered a 4.32 ERA at home and a 5.91 ERA on the road.

Joe Kelly is making his third start since coming off the disabled list. He blanked the Indians on one hit over 6 2/3 innings and allowed five runs and nine hits in 4 2/3 innings against the Blue Jays.

Kelly is 2-2 with a 5.10 ERA in six career starts against the Orioles. He was credited with the win on April 13 after allowing two runs and seven hits over five innings, with five walks and six strikeouts. He's 1-0 with a 4.82 ERA in two career starts at Camden Yards.

Chris Davis is 5-for-10 with a double and home run against Kelly. Pedro Alvarez is 5-for-18 with a double, home run and seven walks. Jonathan Schoop is 1-for-11.

Hyun Soo Kim, who walked twice against Kelly, figures to get back in the lineup with a right-hander on the mound.

Davis has struck out at least once in 13 consecutive games, totaling 25 in his last 52 at-bats.

Alvarez has made one start since May 25. He's 4-for-28 in his last nine games.

Alvarez was on the field before batting practice yesterday, performing a drill at third base where he caught tennis balls with his left hand that were hit to him at close range.