Baltimore Orioles vs Texas Rangers series preview

After the Baltimore Orioles lost their opening series of 2023 on the road against the Boston Red Sox, the team's road trip continues to the Midwest, with the Orioles set to begin a three game series with the Texas Rangers on Monday night. Let's get to know the Rangers.

Baltimore Orioles continue season opening road trip against Texas Rangers

KNOW YOUR OPPONENT

The Rangers enter the second series of the season on a very high note, coming off a sweep of the Phillies as they showcased their lineup's power. Mitch Garver leads the team with two home runs and six RBI's, getting three hits in seven at bats. Robbie Grossman has five RBI's, with Nathaniel Lowe, Adolis Garcia, and Marcus Semien all with three.

SEASON SERIES

Last year, the Orioles and Rangers squared off six times, with the Orioles going a perfect 6-0 against the Rangers. At home to start the month of July, the Orioles won all three games by scores of 7-6, 10-9, and 2-1. In Arlington to begin August, the Orioles won the three game set again, winning by scores of 7-2, 8-2, and 6-3.

PITCHING PROBABLES

Monday, 4/3: Kyle Bradish vs Jon Gray

The series opener pits two righties making their first starts of the season against each other. Bradish made his big league debut for the Orioles in 2022, finishing with a 4.90 ERA and 4.45 FIP in 117 2/3 innings, striking out 111 hitters over 23 starts.

Gray is entering his second season with the Rangers and ninth in the big leagues this season. In his first season out of Coors Field in his career, Gray posted a 3.96 ERA and 3.80 FIP, making 24 starts and throwing 127 1/3 innings, striking out 134 hitters and walking 39.

Tuesday, 4/4: Tyler Wells vs Andrew Heaney

As with game one, both starters in the middle game are making their season debuts. After spending 2021 in the bullpen, Wells moved to the rotation last season, ending the year with a 4.25 ERA and 4.52 FIP, throwing 103 2/3 innings and making 23 starts. Wells struck out 76 hitters and walked 28. He won a spot in the starting rotation over Grayson Rodriguez in spring training.

Heaney is a southpaw who is on his fourth team in three seasons. He spent 2022 in the NL West with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He had a decent season, recording a 3.10 ERA and 3.75 FIP while being limited to 16 games and 72 2/3 innings due to injury. Heaney spent 2021 with the Los Angeles Angels and New York Yankees.

Wednesday, 4/5: Kyle Gibson vs Jacob deGrom

The finale pits pitchers who started opening day for their respective teams against each other. Gibson got the nod against the Boston Red Sox on opening day, allowing four runs on six hits and one walk, striking out three hitters over five innings, getting credited with the win.

On the other hand, deGrom wasn't as fortunate in his start. Facing the Phillies offense, he was tagged for five runs on six hits and no walks, striking out seven hitters in 3 2/3 innings of work. He is on the first season of a mega deal he signed early in free agency this offseason.

After a disappointing series loss against the Red Sox to open the season, the Orioles will need the pitching staff to bounce back if they wish to beat the Rangers, especially as the Texas lineup has come out of the gate hot, much like the Orioles lineup. Let's play some ball!