masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgThe Orioles will attempt tonight to win back-to-back games for the first time since April 5-6 in New York and only the second time since Aug. 23-30, 2017.
Mark Trumbo is in right field tonight for the series finale against the Royals. He’s 10-for-33 (.303) since coming off the disabled list, including his tie-breaking, two-run single last night in the eighth inning.
Pedro Álvarez is the designated hitter and Jace Peterson is playing third base. Chance Sisco is catching.
Caleb Joseph is…

The Orioles will attempt tonight to win back-to-back games for the first time since April 5-6 in New York and only the second time since Aug. 23-30, 2017.

Mark Trumbo is in right field tonight for the series finale against the Royals. He’s 10-for-33 (.303) since coming off the disabled list, including his tie-breaking, two-run single last night in the eighth inning.

Pedro Álvarez is the designated hitter and Jace Peterson is playing third base. Chance Sisco is catching.

joseph-swing-orange-home-close-sidebar.jpgCaleb Joseph is 5-for-18 this month with a double and home run. He’s hit safely in seven consecutive games against the Royals, going 11-for-27 (.407).

Among qualifying relievers, left-hander Richard Bleier leads the American League and ranks second in the majors with a 0.40 ERA – one earned run in 22 2/3 innings. He trails only Cubs’ left-hander Brian Duensing’s 0.00 ERA – no earned runs in 11 2/3 innings.

The rotation’s 15 quality starts are tied for sixth in the American League. The Orioles are 6-9 in those games.

Chris Tillman allowed one hit in seven scoreless innings against the Tigers on April 27 and seven runs and seven hits in one inning in his last start against the Angels. He’s 3-3 with a 5.37 ERA and 1.442 WHIP in nine career starts against the Royals.

Alcides Escobar is 9-for-26 (.346) with one double and one home run lifetime against Tillman. Ryan Goins is 10-for-31 (.323) with one double and one home run. Mike Moustakas and Salvador Perez are 6-for-18 with a home run. Alex Gordon is 4-for-17 with one double and two home runs.

Tillman has allowed 11 runs in the first inning this year for a 16.50 ERA. Opponents are batting .414 (12-for-29).

Royals right-hander Ian Kennedy has registered a 2.92 ERA in seven starts. He’s surrendered one run or fewer in four starts and two or fewer in five.

Kennedy is 0-2 with a 6.89 ERA and 1.979 WHIP in four career starts against the Orioles, with 12 earned runs (13 total) and 21 hits allowed in 15 2/3 innings. He’s walked 10 batters.

Adam Jones is 4-for-8 lifetime against Kennedy and Valencia is 3-for-6. Álvarez is 2-for-19 with one home run and six strikeouts.

For the Orioles
Trey Mancini LF
Adam Jones CF
Manny Machado SS
Jonathan Schoop 2B
Chris Davis 1B
Mark Trumbo RF
Pedro Álvarez DH
Jace Peterson 3B
Chance Sisco C

Chris Tillman RHP

Here are the starters for the Rays series at Camden Yards:

Friday: Kevin Gausman vs. Jake Faria
Saturday (DH): TBD vs. Chris Archer, Alex Cobb vs. TBD
Sunday: Dylan Bundy vs. Blake Snell