BALTIMORE — On Sunday, the Baltimore Orioles faced a challenging game that showcased their ongoing struggles with starting pitching, underscoring the rising expectations placed upon them. The game began with veteran right-hander Charlie Morton, who recently joined the Orioles on a one-year $15-million contract, making his fifth start of the season. Morton’s performance, however, was far from what the team had hoped. He allowed seven runs in just 2 1/3 innings, marking his shortest outing since September of the previous year. This outing pushed Morton’s Earned Run Average (ERA) to a troubling 10.89, highlighting continued challenges with his control.
The Orioles’ troubles were further compounded in the final innings when they resorted to using position players Jorge Mateo and Gary Sanchez on the mound. The duo conceded the last nine runs, leading to a disheartening 24-2 defeat at the hands of the Cincinnati Reds — a rare and painful historic low for the team.
Morton, a two-time All-Star, expressed significant frustration following the game. “It’s disappointing for everyone. It’s hard when you feel like you’re letting down your teammates, your coaches, and the fans,” he said, reflecting on his recent performances. Over the course of 20 2/3 innings, Morton has given up 31 hits and issued 15 walks. Despite feeling physically well, Morton admits to having difficulty achieving consistency, making it tough to gauge whether his pitching skills continue to be effective at the major league level.
Baltimore’s current record stands at 9-12, placing them just three games below .500 as they aspire to recapture the form that led to back-to-back postseason appearances in 2023 and 2024. However, their rotation options are limited. Promising right-hander Grayson Rodriguez has been temporarily sidelined due to shoulder discomfort, requiring further medical evaluation. Additionally, pitchers Albert Suarez and Zach Eflin have been placed on the injured list, leaving the rotations thin and performance unfavorably skewed.
Orioles’ pitching woes are significant, as evidenced by their American League-high 6.11 ERA. The weekend series against Cincinnati, despite the overwhelming loss, saw a silver lining with the MLB debut of Brandon Young, who delivered a decent performance, allowing three runs over four innings in Baltimore’s sole 9-5 victory.
Manager Brandon Hyde was candid about the necessity of robust starting pitching, stating, “Winning simply can’t be achieved this way. Occasionally, you might outscore your opponents, but that’s not a recipe for sustained success in Major League Baseball.” The Orioles face mounting pressure to stabilize their rotation as they endeavor to rise above their current standing.