First pitch: 1:35 p.m. ET
Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland
TV: MASN / Rays.TV
This is the series finale of a three-game set at Camden Yards. The Orioles have taken the first two: 5-3 on Friday (Pete Alonso’s go-ahead two-run homer—his 30th of the season—and solid work from Trevor Rogers) and a dramatic 3-2 win in 10 innings on Saturday (Samuel Basallo’s two-run homer in the eighth to tie, Dylan Beavers’ walk-off double in the 10th). The AL East-leading Rays are looking to avoid a sweep against a struggling but opportunistic Orioles club.
Starting Pitchers
Tampa Bay: RHP Nick Martinez (12-4, 3.05 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 83 K in 141.2 IP). Veteran right-hander having a strong season with the Rays (All-Star this year). Excellent command (low walk rate) and durability. Recent form mixed—complete game earlier in August but a rough 3.2-inning outing vs. Toronto last time (6 ER). Generally reliable and effective on the road.
Baltimore: RHP Shane Baz (4-13, 4.02 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 132 K in 145.2 IP). Former Rays prospect now with Baltimore after an offseason trade. High strikeout rates and recent strong outings (including a 10-K performance vs. Yankees), but win-loss record reflects limited run support and some inconsistency. Better at home in stretches; faces his old club.
Current Rosters / Key Players
Rays key contributors: Yandy Díaz (DH, high average), Junior Caminero (IF, power leader ~35 HR range), Chandler Simpson (OF, high average/hitting streak), Jonathan Aranda (IF), Liam Hicks (C, recent HR), Jonny DeLuca (OF), Richie Palacios (IF), Cedric Mullins (OF), Taylor Walls (SS). Strong contact and power mix.
Orioles key contributors: Pete Alonso (1B, 30+ HR, hot hitting streak), Jackson Holliday (IF), Gunnar Henderson (IF), Samuel Basallo (C/1B, recent clutch HR), Dylan Beavers (OF, walk-off contributor), Tyler O’Neill (OF), Coby Mayo (IF), Leody Taveras (OF), Christian Encarnacion-Strand. Power potential, especially Alonso.
Injury Reports
Rays: Ben Williamson (10-day IL, hamstring); Victor Mesa Jr. (10-day IL, hamstring); Cole Sulser (15-day IL, back); Griffin Jax (15-day IL, elbow); Jake Fraley (60-day IL, groin); plus longer-term absences including Manuel Rodriguez, Edwin Uceta, Gavin Lux, Ryan Pepiot, and others. Core lineup largely available.
Orioles: Blaze Alexander (10-day IL, hand); Zach Eflin (60-day IL, elbow); Félix Bautista (60-day IL, shoulder—rehab progressing, possible assignment soon); Keegan Akin, Ryan Helsley (60-day IL, elbows); Ryan Mountcastle (60-day IL, foot/oblique); Jordan Westburg (60-day IL, UCL). Alonso and key position players active.
Weather Forecast (Camden Yards / Baltimore)
Mostly sunny with isolated morning showers possible (low chance, ~20%). Highs in the low-to-mid 80s°F (around 82–85°F), comfortable with west winds 5–10 mph. Clear overnight lows in the mid-60s. Excellent conditions for an afternoon game with minimal weather impact expected.
Recent Team Forms
Rays (76-53, 1st AL East): Strong overall record and division lead, but dropped the first two of this series and have been uneven recently (around 3-7 in last 10 in some reports). Excellent pitching staff and balanced offense. Road form solid.
Orioles (63-67, 5th AL East): Won first two of this series and showing resilience at home. Below .500 overall but capable of power surges (Alonso hot). Last 10 roughly 5-5; recent wins against a top team provide momentum.
Series History / Head-to-Head
Orioles lead this 2026 series 2-0 after the Friday and Saturday wins. Season series has been competitive with split results earlier (Rays took some in May; Orioles swept a prior set). AL East rivals often produce tight, low-to-moderate scoring games at Camden Yards.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups
Martinez (RHP, command-oriented, low walks) vs. Orioles power (Alonso, Henderson, Basallo, Beavers). Martinez’s ability to limit free passes will be key against a lineup that capitalizes on mistakes; Alonso has been particularly dangerous.
Baz (RHP, high-K potential) vs. Rays contact/power (Díaz, Caminero, Simpson, Aranda). Baz’s strikeout stuff can neutralize the top of Tampa Bay’s order, but recent home/road splits and familiarity with former teammates add intrigue.
Bullpens and late innings: Orioles showed fight with the Saturday comeback and walk-off; Rays’ relief has been tested. Speed (Simpson, Taveras) and power (Caminero, Alonso) feature in potential extra-inning or close-game scenarios. Camden Yards dimensions favor left-field power.
Betting Trends
Rays strong overall and as road favorites in many spots; Orioles competitive at home and covering as underdogs recently. Recent series games stayed close (one under, one near total). Pitching matchups often keep totals moderate.
Game Odds
Tampa Bay Rays 8.5
Baltimore Orioles – 105
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, August 22, 2026
