The Houston Astros and Baltimore Orioles prepare for a pivotal four-game series beginning Thursday night in Baltimore. The Astros have surged back into the lead in the American League West Division following a slow start to their season. Simultaneously, the Orioles are locked in a fierce contest with the New York Yankees for the top position in the American League East, with the victor likely to secure the best record in the league. The anticipated pitching duel on Thursday night features Astros’ Spencer Arrighetti (5-11, 5.20) against Orioles’ ace Corbin Burnes (12-5, 3.10). The first pitch is slated for 7:15 PM EST.
Houston’s Strategy with Arrighetti
The Houston Astros have reclaimed the top spot in the AL West as they aim for another robust playoff run in 2024. This resurgence comes despite facing multiple injuries to their pitching staff and the significant absence of All-Star right fielder Kyle Tucker. The Astros kicked off the week with a three-game series against the Boston Red Sox, a team they previously swept at Fenway Park. They began the series on a high note, highlighted by a walk-off home run from Yainer Diaz. However, they faced difficulties in the subsequent games, losing 6-5 on Tuesday night and falling 4-1 on Wednesday afternoon, even with the return of veteran starter Justin Verlander.
The Astros will rely on right-handed pitcher Spencer Arrighetti as they confront the Orioles. With a current record of 5-11 and a 5.20 ERA, Arrighetti has faced challenges this season. He has allowed 109 hits over 110.2 innings, tallying 134 strikeouts against 52 walks. Notably, he has surrendered 17 home runs. In his recent appearance, Arrighetti pitched 7.2 innings, allowing four runs on seven hits while striking out five.
Injuries: SP Luis Garcia, RF Kyle Tucker, and SP Lance McCullers are sidelined.
Orioles’ Trust in Burnes
The Baltimore Orioles return home after a brief series against the New York Mets. They remain in close competition with the Yankees for the AL East Division title and potentially the top seed in the American League playoffs. The Orioles encountered a rocky start in New York, dropping the first game due to a walk-off home run. They rebounded in the second game, thanks to powerful performances from Anthony Santander and James McCann. However, they faced defeat again in the series finale, succumbing to another Mets’ walk-off home run.
On Thursday night, the Orioles will hand the ball to their ace, Corbin Burnes. He looks to recover from a challenging outing against the Red Sox, where he allowed 10 hits and eight runs in a 12-10 loss. The season statistics show Burnes with a solid record of 12-5, an ERA of 3.10, and a WHIP of 1.11. He has given up 132 hits in 153.2 innings while achieving 144 strikeouts and issuing 38 walks. This season, he has permitted 18 home runs, including two against Boston.
Key Injuries: 3B Jordan Westburg, SP Grayson Rodriguez, and RP Danny Coulombe are absent.
Key Insights for Houston Astros vs. Baltimore Orioles
Burnes is anticipated to rebound after his surprising performance against Boston. He leads the American League in quality starts this season, and with his experience, he is expected to guide the Orioles through the later innings against the powerful Astros lineup. Conversely, Arrighetti has shown inconsistency, which may pose challenges against an Orioles team known for their patience at the plate. With 52 walks in just over 110 innings, Arrighetti’s tendency to extend counts could favor the Orioles on Thursday night. The Astros have struggled in four of Arrighetti’s last five starts, while the Orioles have won four of Burnes’ last five. These trends suggest a competitive matchup as the teams clash.
