This weekend in Baltimore, two of the best teams in baseball will face off as the Phillies and Orioles square off in a three-game set that could be a potential preview of a World Series matchup.
The Orioles enter the weekend series with momentum, having won seven of their last ten games. They were riding a six-game winning streak before dropping their finale against Atlanta on Thursday, 6-3. This recent run highlights the Orioles' resilience and ability to compete with top-tier teams, solidifying their status as serious contenders in the American League. Impressively, the club is 20-8 against teams with a record over .500.
Meanwhile, the Phillies come into Baltimore after a challenging stretch. They dropped two of three in Boston following a split with the Mets in London over the weekend. Despite this, the Phillies have managed to maintain an impressive 46-22 record, the second-best in the Majors behind the Yankees' 49-22.
Pitching Matchup
Friday (7:05 p.m.)
RHP Ranger Suarez (10-1, 1.81) vs. RHP Kyle Bradish (2-0, 2.62)
Saturday (4:05 p.m.)
RHP Taijuan Walker (3-1, 5.40) vs. RHP Grayson Rodriguez (7-2, 3.27)
Sunday (1:35 p.m.)
RHP Zack Wheeler (8-3, 2.16) vs. RHP Corbin Burnes (7-2, 2.08)
Series Context
After a hot start to the season, Alec Bohm has hit a rough patch, batting just .162 since June 1. This slump reflects the broader struggles of the Phillies, who as a team are hitting only .234 over the same period. In contrast, the Orioles have been hot at the plate, boasting a .263 team average for June, the 8th best in the Majors.
Adding to their woes, the Phillies will enter the weekend without three key offensive pieces: J.T. Realmuto, Trea Turner, and Brandon Marsh.
Realmuto underwent knee surgery on Wednesday and is likely sidelined until the All-Star break. Turner, dealing with a hamstring issue, could be back with the team as early as next week. Marsh, also hampered by a hamstring injury, might rejoin the club at some point this weekend.
