If you are the worrying sort, the current state of the Orioles' rotation could be some cause for concern for you. Over the last five games, the Orioles have just one quality start, and the starters' ERA is 6.51 with 20 earned runs allowed over 27 2/3 innings in that stretch. The Orioles are 21-1 on the year when their starting pitcher gives them a quality start of six innings or more, allowing three earned runs or fewer.

Early in the season the O's rotation's ERA ranked among the best in the American League. But now the Orioles are tenth in that stat with a starting pitching ERA of 4.31 on the year. AL team leaders in rotation ERA: 3.31 - Los Angeles 3.49 - Tampa Bay 3.66 - Toronto The Orioles remain second in the AL in bullpen ERA: 2.03 - Texas 2.31 - Orioles 2.57 - Oakland Coming back from a knee injury, tonight's starter Jason Hammel has allowed eight earned runs in 10 1/3 over his past two starts. He is 5-1 with a 3.12 ERA on the year. Hammel has pitched in six career games (three starts) against Kansas City and has a career mark of 0-2 and 6.75 ERA versus the Royals. He is 2-0 with an ERA of 2.25 in three home starts in 2012.