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MLB: Weaknesses of Current AL Playoff Teams

By Matthew Lively

Aug 6, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers third baseman Nick Castellanos (9) is hit by a pitch in the fourth inning against the New York Mets at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 6, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers third baseman Nick Castellanos (9) is hit by a pitch in the fourth inning against the New York Mets at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Baltimore Orioles

AL East

Jul 3, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez (31) reacts after loading up the bases against the Seattle Mariners during the third inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 3, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez (31) reacts after loading up the bases against the Seattle Mariners during the third inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /

The Orioles have surprised many this year as they didn’t make too many notable free agent additions, and there were questions about whether or not they’d be able to contend in the talented American League East.

They have certainly silenced the haters as they sit in first place with a 63-47 record. If the season ended today, they would win the AL East and go straight to the ALDS.

The team has had a superb offense, ranking 11th in MLB with 512 runs and first with 163 home runs. The biggest weakness and glaring hole for the Orioles is their starting rotation and pitching which currently ranks 14th in MLB with a 4.22 ERA.

The rotation has been an issue for them. Out of their qualified starters, none of them have an ERA under 3.50. Ubaldo Jimenez and Yovani Gallardo have ERA’s of 7.06 and 5.47, respectively. Those two have been a major issue as they have started a combined 32 games for the O’s.

They’ve given prospect Dylan Bundy a shot at starting, and he’s pitched well, going 4-3 with a 3.05 ERA, but he has given up eight home runs and batters are hitting .261 off of him. At the trade deadline they acquired Wade Miley, though he hasn’t had the best season. Miley has a 5.08 ERA, and hasn’t been a very capable pitcher in the past in the AL East.

The Orioles can either enter the postseason throwing Kevin Gausman, Chris Tillman, and Dylan Bundy and hope for the best, or make a move. They could look at acquiring either Jeremy Hellickson or Edinson Volquez through a waiver claim and make a mini splash right before the season ends.

Next: AL Central

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