The Orioles (42-50) continue a three-game home series against the Chicago Cubs (51-40) at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Tuesday.
Baltimore dropped the series opener 5-2 Monday, with Shane Baz absorbing the loss after allowing three earned runs over six innings while striking out three. Adley Rutschman provided the Orioles' offensive bright spot, going 2-for-4 with both Baltimore runs driven in. The lineup otherwise managed little damage, with Gunnar Henderson, Pete Alonso, and Samuel Basallo each finishing 1-for-4, as the O's lineup struggled against a lefty starter again.
The Cubs sit near the top of the National League Central and have been one of baseball's better teams over the past month, making this a difficult draw for a Baltimore club already eight games below .500 as the All-Star break nears -- and with the July 31 trade deadline 23 days away, where the O's could be sellers.
Tonight, Chicago sends righty Colin Rea (6-5, 4.74 ERA) to the mound. Dean Kremer (1-1, 3.18 ERA) takes the ball for Baltimore in his second start since returning from the IL with a quad injury that kept him sidelined for two months. He said the nature of the quad injury allowed him to keep throwing while sidelined, so he's kept his "feel."
“Being on the IL, for me, I feel like a waste of space because I’m not bringing any value, I’m not adding to anything," Kremer said after his first outing back, six strong innings of one-run ball against the Chicago White Sox on July 1. “It’s great to be back.”
Probable Starters
Chicago Cubs: Colin Rea (6-5, 4.74 ERA)
Baltimore Orioles: Dean Kremer (1-1, 3.18 ERA)
Where to Watch/Listen
First pitch: 6:35 PM ET at Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Weather: 87°F, Clear
TV: MASN
Radio: 98 Rock (97.9 FM) and WBAL NewsRadio (AM 1090 / FM 101.5)