Thursday night Orioles game thread: at Guardians, 6:10pm ET

Anticipated Starting Pitchers: Right-hander Shane Baz (0-1 record, 4.50 ERA, 13 strikeouts) faces off against left-hander Parker Messick (2-0 record, 0.51 ERA, 16 strikeouts).

Broadcast Information: Available on MASN/MASN+

Having completed the first half-dozen series of the season, the Orioles currently hold an even record, mirroring their performance as a .500 baseball club. Tonight, in Cleveland, manager Craig Albernaz prepares to challenge his former team, aiming to demonstrate that the Orioles are capable of surpassing their recent middle-of-the-pack standing.

The O’s arrive in Cleveland boasting a 9-9 record, having scored 77 runs while allowing 78. Their offense ranks 16th in runs per game, and their team ERA stands as the 14th best. Interestingly, eight of their nine losses have been decided by three runs or fewer, a margin also characteristic of six of their nine victories.

Despite a roster that appears more capable than their record suggests, various factors—including occasional mental errors, defensive lapses, and intermittent bullpen struggles—have left the fanbase yearning for more. Taking the mound tonight at Progressive Field for the O’s is Shane Baz, a pitcher whose outings often leave observers feeling unfulfilled, as he seeks to propel the team back above the .500 mark.

Baz experienced a defeat in his previous appearance against San Francisco, surrendering three runs on nine hits over five innings. However, in his sole road start this season, 12 days prior in Pittsburgh, he delivered an impressive performance: 5.2 innings pitched, 4 hits, 1 earned run, 3 walks, and 5 strikeouts.

Baz possesses the attributes of a premier starter, notably a fastball that consistently sits at 97 mph and can touch triple digits, complemented by a sharp knuckle curve. Nevertheless, his raw talent hasn’t consistently translated into dominant results; opponents have hit .529 with an .824 slugging percentage against his fastball through his three starts.

This evening marks the 26-year-old right-hander’s second career start in Cleveland, following his debut at Progressive Field last season. On that occasion, Baz absorbed the loss despite delivering a quality start, pitching 6 innings, allowing 3 hits and 3 earned runs, issuing 2 walks, and striking out 7.

Opposing the Orioles’ third starter is rookie southpaw Parker Messick. This former Florida State Seminole, ranked as Cleveland’s No. 5 prospect, has adapted swiftly to the major leagues, giving up only one run across 17.2 innings in his initial three starts. In his most recent outing against the Braves, he pitched 6.2 scoreless innings, scattering four hits and fanning five batters.

The O’s handled their first left-handed starter of the season yesterday effectively, roughing up Arizona’s Eduardo Rodríguez for four runs on six hits over five innings. With regular left-handed hitting threats like Ryan Mountcastle, Tyler O’Neill, and Adley Rutschman sidelined, Albernaz will rely on former Guardian Johnathan Rodríguez as he aims to defeat his mentor, Stephen Vogt, and the Guardians squad.