O's set sights on Rays after tough series loss

BALTIMORE -- Throughout the 2023 season, the Orioles have shown an uncanny ability to quickly turn the page. In the rare cases they’ve experienced a bit of adversity, they’ve immediately moved past it, hence why they haven't lost more than four straight games and haven’t been swept in 86 consecutive multi-game series.

They must do it again this week, or else their American League East lead could be in danger. And they may have to do so without a key member of their lineup.

On Wednesday, Baltimore fell for the second straight night, getting blanked in a 1-0 loss to St. Louis that secured a Cardinals series victory at Camden Yards. By dropping two of three to a last-place team, the O’s had a disappointing start to their homestand. Much more concerning was the early departure of slugging first baseman Ryan Mountcastle, who exited in the third inning of the finale with left shoulder discomfort.

“Obviously, you don’t want to lose anybody right now, especially Ryan. So we’ll see,” manager Brandon Hyde said of Mountcastle, who felt a pop in his shoulder and is scheduled to undergo imaging Thursday.

• Games remaining: vs. TB (4), at HOU (3), at CLE (4), vs. WSH (2), vs. BOS (4)
• Standings update: The Orioles (91-54) lead the American League East by two games over the second-place Rays (90-57), who beat the Twins on Wednesday. Baltimore has the best record in the AL, meaning it would not have to play a best-of-three Wild Card Series and instead would head to the best-of-five AL Division Series as the No. 1 seed.
• Magic number: 4 for postseason berth

Still, the Orioles must quickly regroup heading into their biggest series of the season. On Thursday, they’ll also open a four-game set vs. the Rays, who have an opportunity to shift the balance of power in the AL East over the weekend in Baltimore.

“It’s the type of stuff you dream about as a kid, obviously -- playing in October, but also playing in meaningful games at the end of the season to try and get to October,” said first baseman/outfielder Ryan O’Hearn, who may have to play a larger role if Mountcastle heads to the injured list. “We want to win the division. There’s no doubt about that.

“But the Rays have got a really good team. It’s going to be a battle. We know that. I think our guys are up for the challenge.”

In the finale against the Cardinals, the Orioles’ bats were silenced by a familiar arm. Drew Rom, Baltimore's 2018 fourth-round Draft pick, allowed only two hits while striking out seven in 5 1/3 innings. The 23-year-old left-hander was dealt to St. Louis on Aug. 1 in the trade that sent righty Jack Flaherty to the O’s.

The Orioles’ lack of offense spoiled a stellar night for right-hander Kyle Gibson, who allowed one run on three hits and three walks in 6 2/3 innings. His lone blemish was a two-out solo homer by Richie Palacios in the fourth. Gibson struck out four in the 104-pitch outing.

Baltimore had won each of its previous seven series, coming off a road trip in which it went 7-2 against the D-backs, Angels and Red Sox.

“The last thing we need to do right now is make too much about one loss and losing a series,” Gibson said. “Does it stink that Tampa won? Sure. But we’re two games up, and if we play really good baseball here the next three weeks, I think we’ll be fine.”

The Orioles have scored only two runs over their past two games after scoring 10 or more in four of their previous five. It would be a blow to lose Mountcastle -- who's hitting .324 in 50 games in the second half -- but Baltimore could bring up a reinforcement in Heston Kjerstad (the club’s No. 3 prospect and MLB Pipeline’s No. 24 overall prospect), who was pulled early from Triple-A Norfolk’s game on Wednesday following Mountcastle’s injury.

A Kjerstad promotion would only add to what is expected to be a thrilling weekend at Camden Yards.

Closing in on clinching a postseason berth, the Orioles need to continue their success against the Rays. Baltimore is 6-3 against Tampa Bay this year, and one win would secure the season series (which is crucial, as the O’s would then win a potential AL East tiebreaker).

The crowds should be electric, especially on Friday night -- the game is already sold out, with Adam Jones set to retire as an Oriole in a pregame ceremony.

It’s going to be a huge series. And the Orioles (whether they’re without Mountcastle or with Kjerstad or whomever else) are anticipating again turning the page to be ready for it.

“I’m pretty much expecting all hands on deck, you know? It’s a big series, and wins are extremely important,” outfielder Aaron Hicks said. “I’m expecting a lot from both sides.”

Added O’Hearn: “It’s going to be a great atmosphere. It was a big series last time we played them in Tampa, but I think it’ll be that much cooler to play them at home in front of our fans.”