The Lights Got Too Bright For The Baltimore Orioles

After getting off to a hot start, the Baltimore Orioles haven’t been the same since the all-star break. Despite having a lineup featuring four all-stars, they’ve had trouble scoring runs in the second half. Their pitching staff has had issues all year and has hurt them badly down the stretch. This has ultimately caused Baltimore to fade away in the division title race. The lights apparently got too bright for the Baltimore Orioles.

A Strong First Half Of The Season

Expectations for the Baltimore Orioles were higher than they’ve ever been in years. The team was coming off winning an AL East title and was expected to take the next step in 2024. When the season began, the Orioles got off to a hot start. Thanks to players like Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman, Corbin Burnes, Anthony Santander, Colton Cowser, and Jordan Westburg; Baltimore went into the all-star break in first place with a record of 58-38. The Orioles were one of the top teams in runs per game and at one point led the American League in home runs. Burnes, Rutschman, Henderson, Santander, and Westburg were all selected to be all-stars.

The Orioles Haven’t Been The Same Since The All-Star Break

However, since the all-star break, the Orioles haven’t been the same team and have put up a record of just 28-31. Their offense has struggled to score runs despite having four all-stars in the lineup. This month, Baltimore is only averaging just 3.78 runs per game. Ryan Mountcastle, Jordan Westburg, and Ramon Urias have all been hurt. Meanwhile, Adley Rutschman has slumped badly, Gunnar Henderson hasn’t been as productive, Jackson Holiday has failed to live up to the hype, and trade deadline acquisition Eloy Jimenez has been a bust.

Orioles Starters Have Struggled Since The Break

The Orioles starting rotation had been a concern all year given that they lost Tyler Wells, John Means, and Kyle Bradish for the season. This has only been exasperated since the break concluded. Since the break, Orioles pitchers have combined for an ERA of 4.19. Corbin Burnes has struggled, Albert Suarez has fallen back to earth, Grayson Rodriguez has been hurt, Cole Irvin was DFA’d, and Cade Povich and Dean Kremer have continued to struggle. Making matters worse, Baltimore traded two top prospects for Trevor Rogers who was sent to the minors after four ugly starts. The only pitcher who’s had consistent success for Baltimore in the second half is trade deadline pickup Zach Eflin.

The Bullpen Has Been Baltimore’s Achilles Heel

The Orioles bullpen has been on the worst in the league since the break concluded. As a team, Baltimore has compiled a bullpen ERA of 4.72 during that time. The team even recently designated closer Craig Kimbrel for assignment. This forced them to use trade deadline acquisition Seranthony Dominguez to close. While he’s had some success, Dominguez blew his last save opportunity. Cionel Perez and Jacob Webb have both struggled in the second half. Trade deadline acquisition Gregory Soto has been showing why the Phillies were comfortable parting ways with him. No team can expect to have success in the postseason without a strong bullpen.

The Orioles Failed To Live Up To Expectations

The Orioles’ second-half struggles have caused them to fade out of the AL East race. This means that Baltimore will most likely be a wild-card team. It should be noted that Baltimore was swept in the wild-card round last season. Given how the Orioles’ offense and pitching staff struggled in the second half, it wouldn’t be a surprise if they were eliminated early again. It’ll be another season of missed opportunities. While the Baltimore Orioles had high expectations in 2024, the lights were a little too bright for them and they failed to live up to the hype.

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