The Orioles find themselves in a precarious position as they land in Texas for Game 3, facing potential elimination against a formidable Rangers club undefeated this postseason. Corey Seager’s remarkable achievement of five walks, a record in the AL/NL postseason, beautifully complemented Mitch Garver’s grand slam, propelling the Rangers to an 11-8 victory on Sunday. This win places them in a position to sweep the Orioles, a feat not witnessed by Baltimore in a stunning 91 consecutive series comprising multiple games dating back to May 2022.
“We must perform exceptionally in Texas,” expressed the Orioles’ manager, Brandon Hyde.
“In the past two games, we didn’t quite meet our optimum level, but we’ve consistently shown strength in our away games throughout the year. Hopefully, our away game performance will shine through.”
“ALDS Game 3: Watch Orioles vs. Rangers LIVE and Witness Baseball History!”
The Rangers are riding high on a wave of confidence after sweeping the Rays in the AL Wild Card Series at Tropicana Field, followed by clinching two games at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The team has shown remarkable resilience after losing the AL West to the Astros, following a disappointing final series of the regular season in Seattle. This marks the first instance since the night of September 26. They will get to rest in their own beds.
“If we had secured the division, the rest would have been much appreciated,” mentioned Marcus Semien, “particularly after playing every single game this year. We have a plethora of players who have logged extensive game time. However, we fell short in that aspect, and we must find our rhythm in St. Petersburg. That’s what worked for us here in Baltimore.”
The Orioles have displayed resilience throughout the season, boasting a 52-29 away-game record. Their journey to stage a comeback begins with facing Nathan Eovaldi in Game 3. The Rangers’ right-hander is fresh from an All-Star season and exhibited excellent form at The Trop on Wednesday, limiting the Rays to just one run over 6 2/3 innings while securing eight strikeouts.
Baltimore remains confident in Game 3 starter Dean Kremer, a formidable presence in critical games. The right-hander commenced both of the Orioles’ clinching games this season, securing a postseason spot and clinching the AL East title.
Moving on to the details for Game 3 at Globe Life Field:
Game Schedule and Viewing Details
Today’s game is being broadcast in the U.S. on FOX.
All series can be viewed in the U.S. on MLB.TV authenticated through their chosen Pay TV provider.”
Internationally, games are available for live viewing (excluding Canada). Full game archives will be accessible approximately 90 minutes post-game.
Starting Pitchers
Orioles: RHP Dean Kremer
Kremer is set to make his postseason debut after a remarkable regular season where he achieved a 13-5 record with a 4.12 ERA in a career-high 32 starts. Despite a 5.17 ERA in three previous encounters against the Rangers, he showcased a strong performance in his lone ’23 start, allowing three runs in 6 1/3 innings at Camden Yards. Additionally, Kremer conceded only one run in 4 2/3 innings in his solitary career start at Globe Life Field on April 17, 2021.
Rangers: RHP Nathan Eovaldi
Eovaldi boasts extensive postseason experience among the Rangers’ healthy starting rotation. He enters the game with extra rest following a dominant performance, tossing 6 2/3 innings and conceding only one run in Texas’ Game 2 win in the AL Wild Card Series against the Rays. Eovaldi had a stellar run prior to a forearm strain sidelining him for six weeks after the All-Star break. However, ‘Nasty Nate’ appears to be back in postseason form, ready to carry the team and secure their first ALCS trip since 2011.
Starting Lineups
Rangers: Following his exceptional five-RBI display in Game 2, Mitch Garver secures back-to-back starts as DH over Robbie Grossman. Additionally, rookie Evan Carter retains the fifth spot for the second consecutive game, strategically positioned between All-Stars Adolis García and Jonah Heim. Carter has showcased an impressive.500 batting average with a 1.806 OPS in his initial four postseason games.
Orioles: With the right-handed Eovaldi on the mound, power-hitting DH Ryan O’Hearn (an.801 OPS in 112 regular-season games) and veteran second baseman Adam Frazier receive their first starts of the ALDS. Both left-handed hitters were benched for Games 1 and 2, which featured lefties Andrew Heaney and Jordan Montgomery as starting pitchers for the Rangers. In Game 3, Jordan Westburg earns his second consecutive postseason start, positioned at the hot corner.
Bullpen Strategy Post-Starters
Rangers: With an off-day leading into the Texas leg of the series, the bullpen is well-rested. Rookie Cody Bradford contributed 3 2/3 innings after Montgomery’s departure in the fifth inning, hence, he’ll be unavailable for Game 3. Similarly, Dane Dunning and Heaney will be unavailable post-piggyback start in Game 1. However, the bullpen appears ready and refreshed, with José Leclerc, Aroldis Chapman, and Josh Sborz prepared for high-leverage situations. Will Smith and Brock Burke are also available, while Martín Pérez remains the long reliever option.
Orioles: The Orioles have heavily relied on their bullpen thus far in the series. They utilized five relievers to cover 4 1/3 innings in Game 1 and seven relievers to cover 7 1/3 innings in Game 2. The only bullpen arm not used on Sunday was left-hander DL Hall. However, all bullpen options should be available post Monday’s off-day. Righty Jacob Webb might see less action in high-leverage situations following his previous performance in Game 1.
Key Injuries
Rangers: The Rangers’ pitching rotation has suffered from injuries throughout the season, impacting their performance. Key pitchers like Jacob deGrom (right elbow), Max Scherzer (right shoulder), and Jon Gray (right forearm) are on the injured list as they head into the postseason. Gray is unlikely to return before a possible ALCS, and Scherzer, although recovering, is not on the initial ALDS roster. However, he could become an option if Texas advances.
Thankfully, Texas’ All-Star lineup of Seager, Eovaldi, Garca, Jung, and Heim have all recovered from earlier-season injuries. The Rangers are hoping that their strong lineup will make up for the absence of rotational arms.
Jonathan Hernández, a reliever, was not included on the ALDS roster due to a right lat strain, which Bochy said occurred in Game 162, when Hernández pitched one perfect inning with two strikeouts as Texas fell to Seattle 1-0. Uncertainty surrounds his availability following the ALDS.
Félix Bautista, a right-hander with the Orioles, underwent Tommy John surgery on Monday at Trinity Park Surgery Center in Arlington. He is anticipated to miss the whole 2025 season. The operation was carried out by Dr. Keith Meister. For Baltimore, who played without its All-Star closer for the final five weeks of the regular season, Bautista has been a significant loss.
John Means, a left-handed pitcher, may have received the Game 3 starting assignment, but the 30-year-old was not included on the ALDS roster because of left elbow discomfort. After recovering from Tommy John surgery, the southpaw made four starts in September and posted a 2.66 ERA. Should the Orioles come back and advance, he might be available in the ALCS.
