The Orioles are in the midst of their longest homestand of the season with the Guardians, the second of three opponents, visiting Camden Yards tonight for a three-game series. Cleveland is 8-7 but only 3-6 on the road.

The latest off-day arrived with the Orioles still in search of their first series and back-to-back wins. They’re batting .235/.302/.383 for a .685 OPS that ranked 18^th in the majors yesterday, 66 runs scored that ranked 13^th and 116 hits that were 16th. The offense can be described as “mid.”

Perhaps a better word is “inconsistent,” with enough ups and downs to cause nausea.

The bats really can’t be blamed for Sunday’s 7-6 loss to the Blue Jays except for the inability to bring home the automatic runner in the 10^th inning. The sport is set up now for one run to score in extras, with the burden placed on teams to do more. The Orioles got Jordan Westburg to third base on a ground ball and struck out twice.

The first eight losses this season occurred with the offense producing two, one, zero, four, two, one, three and zero runs. Six should be sufficient, but the bullpen allowed three in the eighth with the Orioles ahead 6-3.

The Orioles apparently are making an adjustment to their pitching staff.

Scott Blewett was claimed on waivers today from the Twins and is expected to report to the club this week, perhaps by Tuesday night’s series opener against the Guardians at Camden Yards.

Left-hander Luis González, a surprise addition to the 40-man roster in November, was designated for assignment to clear room for Blewett.

Blewett has made 19 relief appearances in the majors from 2020-25, with no appearances in 2022-23, and posted a 2.18 ERA in 33 innings. He debuted with the Royals and signed twice with Minnesota as a free agent last year after they outrighted him off the 40-man roster. He’s out of minor league options, so today’s move would impact the Orioles’ roster unless they attempt to sneak him through waivers.

A corresponding move otherwise is pending.

An immediate take from yesterday’s 7-6, 10-inning loss to the Blue Jays is how reliever Jeff Hoffman should remember that the Orioles make another trip to Toronto and his team makes another trip to Baltimore. Be careful with that pucker or risk getting punched in the mouth. But there’s more.

Manager Brandon Hyde downplayed the latest short outing from a starter, pointing out how he handled them differently the past few games after an off-day and rainout, and with another break in the schedule today. But the bullpen is passing the baton too much, finally losing its grip yesterday in Toronto’s three-run eighth. The rotation needs to consume more innings, plain and simple.

Zach Eflin is on the injured list after going six innings in each of his three starts and posting a 3.00 ERA. He’s a huge loss for however long that it lasts.

Charlie Morton starts Tuesday night’s series opener against the Guardians at Camden Yards. He’s due like one of those bills from the record company that used to promise free albums if you returned their card by the deadline. Anyone with me here?

Morton has allowed four runs in 3 1/3 innings, five runs in five innings and four runs in five innings for a total of only 13 1/3.

Bench coach Robinson Chirinos made his managerial debut this afternoon after Brandon Hyde was ejected. Ryan Mountcastle lined a ball over the left field wall that used to torment him. Tyler O’Neill almost nailed Mr. Splash with his home run into the Bird Bath section. Gunnar Henderson showed signs of busting out of his slump with three hits in the first four innings. The bullpen couldn’t hold a three-run lead in the eighth, and the Orioles stranded the winning run at second base in the ninth.

Peel back the many layers and the Orioles still don't have a series win.

The Orioles couldn't score in the bottom of the 10th inning, leaving Jordan Westburg at third base, and the Blue Jays prevailed 7-6 before an announced crowd of 27,193 at Kids Opening Day at Camden Yards.

Myles Straw's infield hit off Matt Bowman scored automatic runner Andrés Giménez. Bowman left two on base, but Ramón Laureano took a called third strike from Jeff Hoffman for the final out of the day. Hoffman blew a kiss toward the Orioles' dugout, his response to the contract offer reportedly rescinded after his physical due to concerns about his shoulder. The Braves did the same and he signed with the Blue Jays for $33 million over three years.

"When I'm thinking about the games before the games are being played and stuff, yeah, obviously that's definitely in my head. But once I'm in the game, in the moment, I'm focused on making pitches," Hoffman told reporters outside the visiting clubhouse.

The Orioles have posted the same lineup in back-to-back days for the first time this season.

Heston Kjerstad gets another start in left field after hitting his first home run yesterday. Ryan O'Hearn is the designated hitter.

Ryan Mountcastle is batting eighth again, followed by Jackson Holliday.

The rainout pushed back Cade Povich’s start to today. He’s allowed four earned runs and seven total in 10 1/3 innings in his two outings.

Povich faced the Blue Jays twice last season and went 0-2 with an 8.38 ERA and 2.172 WHIP in 9 2/3 innings. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was 4-for-5 with two doubles and a home run.

Orioles manager Brandon Hyde remained confident that the offense was going to erupt. The power would return and the runs would come in bunches. He just couldn’t predict when it would happen.

He needed it fast.

Thirteen Orioles came to the plate yesterday against Toronto starter Bowden Francis and 13 were retired. The scoreless streak had reached 15 innings. Fans were panicked, impatient, livid. And those were the tamer reactions.

Cedric Mullins walked with one out in the fifth inning and the ballpark erupted. Finally, a baserunner. Finally, a pulse.

Heston Kjerstad came to the plate with two outs and parked a 79.9 mph splitter over the center field fence for his first home run. He was in the lineup again with Colton Cowser on the injured list and he’s getting the at-bats that had come only in spurts.

The Orioles brought back their hydration station today, hoping to finally need it.

They weren’t hitting home runs. They weren’t doing much scoring. The first 13 batters were retired this afternoon. The dugout hoses were more decorative than functional.

And then, in a flash, they had a purpose again.

Heston Kjerstad cleared the center field fence in the fifth against Blue Jays starter Bowden Francis after Cedric Mullins walked. Adley Rutschman barreled a sinker with two outs in the sixth, took a couple steps and flipped his bat. The game was tied and Camden Yards was loud.

Mullins gave the Orioles a lead with a two-run double in the inning and the Orioles tied the club record with five double plays turned in a 5-4 victory before an announced crowd of 22,130.

The Orioles haven’t confirmed their rotation plans beyond left-hander Cade Povich on Sunday. However, the need for a fifth starter next Saturday apparently won’t tempt them to call up Kyle Gibson.

Gibson has made one start with Triple-A Norfolk and allowed one run in 3 1/3 innings.

“He’s gonna need a little more time,” said manager Brandon Hyde. “Down the road a little bit.”

Hyde added that the Orioles want to get through Monday’s off-day before setting the rotation for the next two home series.

“We’re talking about a lot of things,” he said. “Povich tomorrow and then clear some things out.”

Tomoyuki Sugano will be decked out in the all-orange uniform, last worn by the Orioles on Aug. 13, 2010, for today’s home debut against the Blue Jays.

Sugano faced the Blue Jays in his first major league game and allowed two runs in four innings before exiting with cramping in both hands. He held the Royals to one run in 5 1/3 innings in his next start.

Heston Kjerstad is in left field and Ryan Mountcastle is batting eighth. Ryan O’Hearn is the designated hitter.

Jordan Westburg is batting cleanup again and playing third base. Jackson Holliday is at second.

Mountcastle is 5-for-7 with two doubles and two home runs against Blue Jays right-hander Bowden Francis. Gunnar Henderson is 2-for-5 with a double.

A reset is nice, but the Orioles are ready to start playing again after an off-day and rainout.

The forecast was miserable last night and left the club with no choice except to reschedule. The extended break should end today.

The Orioles keep attracting more questions only 13 games into the season. Here are three random selections:

What’s happening with the rotation?

Only two starters were confirmed for the Blue Jays series and they won’t need a third. Tomoyuki Sugano is pushed back to today, decked out in an all-orange uniform, and Cade Povich is moved to Sunday, a spot that was listed as TBA.

Orioles fans must wait to finally watch Tomoyuki Sugano pitch on his home mound.

Tonight’s game against the Blue Jays has been postponed due to rain and will be made up as part of a split-admission doubleheader on Tuesday, July 29 at 12:35 p.m. The second game will begin as scheduled at 6:35 p.m.

Gates for game one will open at 11:35 a.m. and gates for the nightcap will open at 5:35 p.m. MASN will broadcast both games.

Fans with tickets for tonight will receive their same seat for game one of the doubleheader. Tickets for the originally scheduled July 29 game at 6:35 p.m. are still valid for that night. 

The first 10,000 fans attending the 12:35 p.m. game on July 29 will receive the clear stadium bag giveaway.

The Orioles are home for only their second series at Camden Yards. They don't hit the road again until April 22 in D.C., which barely counts.

Hitting the baseball is more important to them. They've scored nine runs in their last four games and six in their last four losses.

The mailbag has avoided any serious tears and mild strains. It helps to dig out some leftovers before the extra weight creates holes in the bottom.

You asked and I answered, and I treated editing the same way that I avoided those jelly-filled chocolates in a Whitman's sampler.

Any Kyle Gibson updates?
Gibson made his first start yesterday with Triple-A Norfolk and threw 47 pitches in 3 1/3 innings. That’s four “ups” for Gibson, who allowed one run and three hits with no walks and four strikeouts. The innings and number of pitches were the most important components. He’ll attempt to increase both in his next start, and the Orioles can decide how much longer he needs to stay down there.

The Orioles need a reset, which makes the timing ideal for today’s break in the schedule.

They’ve fallen three games below .500 for the first time since being 41-44 on July 8, 2022. Top two starters Zach Eflin and Grayson Rodriguez are on the 15-day injured list. Reliever Albert Suárez is on the 60-day injured list. Shortstop Gunnar Henderson has returned, but outfielder Colton Cowser could miss a few months with a fractured left thumb. Jordan Westburg was out of the lineup yesterday for a second time due to being “banged up” in the upper body - some “minor, nagging things,” per manager Brandon Hyde.

The health issues won’t totally fade during an off-day, but the Orioles overcame them in 2024 to make the playoffs again. They need to clear their heads, hopefully stay away from social media and remember that no one is running away with the division. They’re 13 games into 162.

The lineup looks better on paper than what’s happening on the field. They’ve scored 12, nine, eight, eight and five runs in five wins, but two, one, zero, four, two, one, three and zero in eight losses. They were held to four hits yesterday and their .373 slugging percentage and .682 OPS ranked 17^th in the majors.

Henderson will get hot. He’s only 4-for-25 with 10 strikeouts in six games. But should the Orioles keep cranking out different versions of the lineup or should regulars be planted in the same spots to see whether the consistency enables them to flourish?

The Orioles placed starter Zach Eflin on the 15-day injured list with a right lat strain and recalled reliever Colin Selby, who was on the taxi squad last night in Arizona.

Eflin has made three quality starts in his three outings this season and allowed six runs in 18 innings.

Two off-days could prevent the Orioles from needing a fifth starter until April 19. They currently have nine relievers on their roster.

Heston Kjerstad remains in left field today for the finale of the two-city road trip. Ryan O’Hearn is the designated hitter, with Ryan Mountcastle at first base. Ramón Urías is playing third base and Jackson Holliday is at second, which puts Jordan Westburg on the bench.

Dean Kremer makes his third start after allowing seven earned runs (eight total) and 13 hits in 9 2/3 innings. Right-handers are hitting .318/.333/.364 against him and left-handers are hitting .300/.333/.450.

The Orioles reached a point in the 2024 season when their entire rotation was on the injured list with the exception of ace Corbin Burnes. Three starters underwent reconstructive elbow surgeries in June. The team traded for Zach Eflin at the deadline and he also was shelved, missing the minimum 15 days with right shoulder inflammation.

The hope, of course, was that 2025 would be much kinder and gentler. Kyle Bradish and Tyler Wells are expected back after the All-Star break. They haven’t experienced any setbacks and are long-tossing and nearing clearance for light mound sessions. But the Orioles’ luck is turning sour again.

Grayson Rodriguez is out with inflammation in his right triceps/elbow. The drastic dip in velocity in Fort Myers wasn’t mechanical and Rodriguez wasn’t just feeling sluggish. The media wasn’t overreacting to it.

Albert Suárez was moved to the bullpen to serve in long relief and he lasted one appearance before going on the IL with right shoulder inflammation. The Orioles transferred him to the 60-day IL on Monday and diagnosed him with a subscapularis strain that will keep him out for an extended stretch.

“It’s going to be months," manager Brandon Hyde told the assembled media in Arizona. "Hopefully, just a few months, but it’s really unfortunate news. Thinking about him and hoping he recovers well.”

Adley Rutschman is the designated hitter tonight in Arizona, Ryan O’Hearn is playing first base and Ryan Mountcastle is on the bench.

Jordan Westburg is the third baseman and cleanup hitter. Tyler O’Neill is in right field and Heston Kjerstad is in left.

Jackson Holliday is the second baseman.

Charlie Morton has made two starts with the Orioles and allowed nine runs and 13 hits in 8 1/3 innings. He’s struck out 13 batters.

Morton is making his 16^th career start against the Diamondbacks. He’s registered a 4.27 ERA over 86 1/3 innings. Morton has made nine starts at Chase Field and registered a 5.19 ERA in 50 1/3 innings.

Bryan Baker had gotten used to the shuffling between the majors and Triple-A, just in time to run out of minor league options. He can’t bounce back and forth without clearing waivers.

It seems like a moot point now.

Baker has stood as one of the positive developments in a season that’s already stressing out much of the fan base. Injuries struck the team again. The rotation had a 5.62 ERA in the first 10 games. The defense had too many costly lapses. Every lineup is different but still attracts the detractors.

The bullpen posted a 3.55 ERA in 2023 that ranked fifth in the majors and a 4.22 ERA last summer that ranked 23^rd. Félix Bautista missed the entire 2024 season while recovering from elbow reconstructive surgery and his return figured to bring improvement, but he made only two appearances before last night because of early restrictions placed on him and the lack of a single save opportunity.

To give Bautista mop-up duty is to risk making him unavailable the next night with the game on the line.

The Orioles won't have pitcher Albert Suárez for much longer than anticipated.

Suárez was moved to the 60-day injured list today with a right subscapularis strain to create room on the 40-man roster for left-hander Grant Wolfram, acquired from the Brewers in exchange for Triple-A Norfolk outfielder Daz Cameron and cash considerations.

The subscapularis is the largest and strongest muscle of the rotator cuff and is essential in shoulder movement and in helping maintain glenohumeral joint stability.

The Orioles broke camp with Suárez in their bullpen and he allowed an earned run and two total with five hits in 2 2/3 innings in a March 28 appearance in Toronto. His fastball velocity was down about two mph from its 2024 average speed, and he went on the 15-day IL March 30 with right shoulder inflammation.

Left-hander Cade Povich beat out Suárez for the fifth spot in the rotation. Suárez is out of options and capable of going multiple innings in relief, which made a return to the bullpen a logical move for the Orioles.

The latest Orioles lineup tonight in Phoenix, where they begin a three-game series against the Diamondbacks, has Ryan O’Hearn in right field and Tyler O’Neill on the bench.

Jordan Westburg is batting cleanup as the designated hitter in another new twist. Heston Kjerstad returns to left field.

Ramón Urías is the third baseman and Jackson Holliday is at second base. Cedric Mullins is batting fifth for the third time this season.

Zach Eflin has completed six innings in both starts. He’s 0-2 with a 3.18 ERA and 0.918 WHIP in five career games (four starts) against the Diamondbacks and has registered a 3.68 ERA and 1.023 WHIP in three games (two starts) at Chase Field.

Randal Grichuk is 2-for-13 versus Eflin and Eugenio Suárez is 0-for-11 with seven strikeouts.

KANSAS CITY – The Orioles are 10 games into their 2025 season, losing six of them. They just dropped their first regular season series to the Royals since Aug. 30-Sept. 1, 2019. Their starters have remained on turn, which enabled the rotation to cycle through twice.

Young left-hander Cade Povich allowed a career-high 13 hits yesterday, three more than in his Aug. 29 start at Dodger Stadium. But in that disaster, Povich lasted only 3 1/3 innings and was charged with five runs.

It was his second-worst outing after going one-plus innings in Oakland on July 6 and surrendering eight runs and five hits with three walks and a pair of homers.  

What happened yesterday at Kauffman Stadium demonstrated how much Povich has grown as a pitcher. He made it through six innings to save the bullpen and kept the Orioles within striking distance if their bats had cooperated. Povich allowed four runs, but three in the first inning were preventable if a fly ball in right-center field was caught.

If you believe that everything else would have stayed the same, the next batter flying out gives Povich a 1-2-3 inning instead of a sacrifice fly on his line. Two singles and Michael Massey’s two-run double put the Orioles in a 3-0 hole.