Orioles Face Exhausted Bullpen in Upcoming Series Against Cardinals

BALTIMORE, Md. — The Baltimore Orioles are set to face the St. Louis Cardinals in a three-game series starting Monday, May 26, 2025. The Orioles, currently struggling with a record of 18-34, are under intense scrutiny as they seek to improve their performance.

The Orioles have faced significant difficulties this season, particularly with their pitching. Despite their challenges, they have some standout players, including Ryan O'Hearn, who boasts a 176 Weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+), and Cedric Mullins with a 120 wRC+. However, team struggles are evident, as Baltimore’s offense collectively holds a below-average 97 wRC+.

Manager Brandon Hyde addressed the team’s inconsistencies, stating, “We need everyone to contribute. Some players are performing well, but we have too many cold bats in the lineup.” This sentiment echoes throughout the clubhouse as players like Dylan Carlson and Jorge Mateo have struggled offensively.

Defensively, the Orioles are rated as the 25th-best team in Major League Baseball, with a -9 Outs Above Average (OAA), highlighting their struggles in the field. Rookie outfielder Heston Kjerstad, who is trying to establish himself, has had a rough start with just a 64 wRC+ and -0.6 fWAR in 139 plate appearances.

The team’s bullpen will face additional pressure going into the series, especially after a doubleheader over the weekend. Closer Felix Bautista has struggled to regain form post-surgery, and available arms in the bullpen are limited, with several pitchers having pitched in back-to-back games.

In Monday’s matchup, the Orioles will have right-hander Erick Fedde (3.77 ERA) starting against the Cardinals’ Charlie Morton (7.68 ERA), who is returning to the rotation after a period in the bullpen. Fedde, although effective recently, has seen a decline in performance, raising concerns about his ability to handle a tough Cardinals lineup.

“We believe in all our pitchers,” said Hyde. “Fedde has shown potential, and Morton’s experience will be a key factor for St. Louis.”

As the series approaches, both teams are looking for crucial wins. The Orioles aim to turn their season around, while the Cardinals would like to capitalize on Baltimore’s current struggles. The spotlight will be on the pitchers as Baltimore attempts to leverage their offensive strengths against a struggling Morton.