Baltimore goes bullpen-heavy to avert a Blue Jays sweep, with Carson Ragsdale in line for a major-league debut after a strong Tides run. Albert Suárez will start for the Orioles as they lean on late-season depth. On offense, Samuel Basallo shifts to DH while Dylan Beavers stays atop the lineup, eyeing a continued on-base streak that’s fueled a September surge. Toronto counters with Shane Bieber as they hold first place.

Beavers has walked 20 times in 23 games, and Basallo, Beavers, Henderson and company must sustain the offense after four runs in yesterday’s loss. A note: Ravens play later today, inviting cross-talk in this thread about both O’s and the home team from Baltimore.

Albert Suárez of the Baltimore Orioles has been placed on the 60-day injured list due to a shoulder injury, a significant setback for the team. The 35-year-old reliever, who had displayed promising form during spring training, made only a single appearance this season, pitching 2 2/3 innings against the Toronto Blue Jays. Manager Brandon Hyde confirmed that Suárez is not expected to undergo surgery but will be sidelined for several months. Last season, he was a key contributor, posting a 3.70 ERA across 133 2/3 innings over 32 games, which included 24 starts. The Orioles have since acquired Grant Wolfram from the Milwaukee Brewers, adding depth to their pitching staff amidst Suárez's absence.

The Baltimore Orioles, despite a successful run with 101 wins in 2023 and 91 wins in 2024, find themselves in a precarious position as the offseason unfolds. Their combined total of 192 wins over these two seasons ranks third in Major League Baseball, trailing only the Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves. However, the recent loss of ace pitcher Corbin Burnes to the Arizona Diamondbacks for a lucrative six-year contract has left the team feeling underwhelming. Burnes, who had a stellar season with a 2.92 ERA, was a key player in the Orioles' rotation, and his departure raises questions about the team's commitment to building a championship-caliber roster.

Currently, Baltimore's rotation consists of several pitchers, including Zach Eflin and Grayson Rodriguez, but the absence of a proven ace like Burnes is evident. General Manager Mike Elias faces scrutiny for not making more aggressive moves in the pitching market, especially with the team's estimated payroll ranking 18th in baseball. While ownership under David Rubenstein has expressed a willingness to spend, it appears Elias may be hesitant, leading to speculation about the team's overall strategy.

The Orioles have a wealth of young talent, but their current approach to building a competitive team seems passive. While some argue that investing heavily in pitchers carries risks, the reality is that top-tier players are essential for winning championships. The lack of interest in acquiring high-impact players like Juan Soto only adds to the frustration among fans who expect the team to capitalize on its recent success. As the American League remains competitive, the Orioles must decide whether to seize the moment or risk falling behind in their pursuit of a World Series title.