Two Struggling Teams Clash in Baltimore’s Final Series of the Season

BALTIMORE, Md. — The Tampa Bay Rays and Baltimore Orioles, two teams eliminated from playoff contention, meet for their second-to-last series of the season starting today at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

This year has not gone as planned for either team. Tampa Bay was seen as a strong contender with aspirations for the playoffs at the start of the season, while the Orioles were viewed as candidates for the World Series or bust. However, both teams are currently in the basement of the American League standings.

The Rays ended June just 1.5 games behind in the AL East but struggled through July with a 7-18 record. Since then, they have not climbed above fourth place. Despite having a top-10 pitching staff, inconsistency at the plate and trouble in one-run games have hindered their performance.

Recent trades saw Tampa Bay sell pieces like José Caballero and Danny Jansen, but recognizable faces like Yandy Díaz and Brandon Lowe remain on the roster. Another major development this week is the announcement of Tampa Bay being sold to a group led by real estate developer Patrick Zalupski for about $1.7 billion, with current owner Stu Sternberg retaining a minority stake.

For both teams, pride is on the line as they each hold a 5-5 record against each other this season. The pitching matchups feature Dean Kremer of the Orioles, known for his durability but inconsistent performance, pitching against Ryan Pepiot, a solid young arm for the Rays.

Kremer, with a 4.39 ERA, is looking to make the most of his starts. He has pitched well in stretches but has allowed four or more runs in 13 of his 29 starts. Pepiot has had a better season, with a 3.77 ERA and has shown flashes of promise, including an impressive start earlier this season against the Orioles.

Tomorrow, Shane Baz (4.99 ERA) faces Tyler Wells (2.04 ERA). Both pitchers have battled injuries this year, but Baz is returning to form, while Wells has been stellar since coming back from surgery.

In the final game of the series, Drew Rasmussen (2.80 ERA) will take the mound for the Rays against Cade Povich (5.06 ERA). Povich has had a rocky season, struggling to find consistency.

The series promises to be significant as both teams look to end their disappointing seasons on a high note.