It’s game 162 of 162. Nobody get hurt!
For most teams in baseball in most years, game 162 has zero implications for the full baseball season. This is true for the Orioles today, but for a good reason. They have clinched their place in the postseason and will host either the Royals or Tigers in the Wild Card round starting on Tuesday.
Today will be a day to give players some rest if they need it, a tune up if they need it, and hope that no one gets hurt. Unlike yesterday, the lineup today is pretty close to what it will be during the postseason. But there is no accounting for how long those starters will stay in.
Starting for the Orioles is Albert Suárez. It’s an interesting choice, but no word yet on how long he’ll stay in the game. If the Orioles plan on putting him on the WC roster to pitch out of the bullpen, this could be a planned short outing. Or maybe they are planning to leave him off the roster with the idea that he could start in the ALDS. They have to get there first, of course.
One pitcher I assume we will see it Colin Selby, who was just recalled today. He takes the place of Tucker Davidson, who pitched 4.2 shutout innings yesterday and picked up the win. He was DFA’d today in place of Selby.
Today is the chance to watch some low key baseball. After today, there won’t be a moment that isn’t stressful for the rest of the season. So let’s enjoy it.
Orioles lineup
- Gunnar Henderson (L) SS
- Jordan Westburg (R) 2B
- Adley Rutschman (S) DH
- Colton Cowser (L) LF
- Ryan Mountcastle (R) 1B
- Ryan O’Hearn (L) RF
- Cedric Mullins (L) CF
- Ramón Urías (R) 3B
- James McCann (R) C
SP: RHP Albert Suárez
Twins lineup
- Edouard Julien (L) DH
- Austin Martin (R) LF
- Brooks Lee (S) SS
- Royce Lewis (R) 3B
- Carlos Santana (S) 1B
- Kyle Farmer (R) 2B
- Manuel Margot (R) RF
- Christian Vázquez (R) C
- DaShawn Keirsey Jr. (L) CF
SP: RHP Bailey Ober
Let’s go O’s!