Orioles (6-17) vs. Rays (8-13)
Where: Camden Yards
First pitch: 7:05 p.m.
TV/Radio: MASN/105.7 The Fan
Starting pitchers: Orioles RHP Alex Cobb (0-2, 15.43 ERA) vs. Rays RHP Jake Faria (1-1, 5.82 ERA)
What to watch
1. Out of the woods, kind of. The Orioles played 17 of their first 23 games against the five American League postseason teams from last season. They don't see one again until May 17-20, playing their next seven series against nonplayoff teams with four of those coming against clubs with losing records. The Orioles' next five games are against losing teams at Camden Yards, two against the Rays after Tuesday's rainout and three against the Detroit Tigers (who swept the Orioles from April 17-19).
2. Waiting for Cobb. Alex Cobb's adjustment to signing late has resulted in two starts that ended in the fourth inning with 15 combined runs allowed (12 earned). Facing his former team, will he come through for his first good start? It won't be easy as he'll be contending with a Rays team that has won four straight, averaging 7.5 runs per game during that streak.
3. Banged-up Birds. With Tim Beckham leaving Monday's game with groin and Achilles injuries, the Orioles remain down a third of their intended lineup with Jonathan Schoop and Mark Trumbo also out. But Trey Mancini returns to the lineup Wednesday, leading off and playing left field. The Orioles are already struggling to score runs with just 73 in 23 games (26th in the majors). But now they'll be tasked with getting on track while missing a good chunk of their starters.
Orioles lineup
LF Trey Mancini
C Chance Sisco
SS Manny Machado
CF Adam Jones
1B Chris Davis
3B Danny Valencia
DH Pedro Álvarez
RF Anthony Santander
2B Jace Peterson
Rays lineup
LF Denard Span
DH C.J. Cron
RF Carlos Gómez
1B Brad Miller
3B Daniel Robertson
2B Joey Wendle
C Wilson Ramos
CF Mallex Smith
SS Adeiny Hechavarria
jland@baltsun.com
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