The Baltimore Orioles are back at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, as they host the Cleveland Guardians in the first game of a three-game series. The matchup is set to begin at 7:05 p.m. EDT and will be broadcast live on TBS, with additional coverage on CLEGuardians.TV and local radio stations.
Both teams enter this contest looking to improve their fortunes early in the season. The Guardians, currently sitting at 8-7, are just 1.5 games behind the Detroit Tigers in the competitive American League Central division. Meanwhile, the Orioles are struggling at 6-9, hoping to turn things around after a rocky start.
On the mound, the Guardians will send left-handed pitcher Logan Allen to the hill. Allen has had a mixed start to his season, holding a 3.60 ERA and a 0-1 record. He bounced back from a rough opening outing to deliver a solid performance against the Chicago White Sox, where he allowed no earned runs over four innings. However, his overall command has been a concern, as he has walked seven batters in just 11 innings pitched this season.
In contrast, the Orioles will look to veteran righty Charlie Morton, who has struggled significantly this year. Morton comes into the game with an alarming 8.78 ERA and a 0-3 record. In his first two starts, he has been hit hard, allowing a staggering 61.5% hard-hit rate. His struggles have raised questions about whether the 41-year-old can still compete at a high level.
Despite their slow start, the Orioles' offense possesses the potential to bounce back against Allen, who has shown vulnerability, particularly against right-handed hitters. Last season, Baltimore boasted a fifth-best wRC+ of 115 against left-handed pitchers, and with talented bats like Adley Rutschman and Ryan Mountcastle in the lineup, they will look to capitalize on Allen's weaknesses.
The Orioles' lineup for the night includes Jordan Westburg at third base, Adley Rutschman as the designated hitter, Tyler O’Neil in right field, Gunnar Henderson at shortstop, and Ryan Mountcastle at first base. They will also feature Gary Sanchez behind the plate, Cedric Mullins in center field, Ramon Laureano in left field, and Jorge Mateo at second base.
On the other hand, the Guardians will counter with a lineup that features Steven Kwan in left field, José Ramírez at third base, and Carlos Santana at first base. Kyle Manzardo, who has been impressive with a .522 slugging percentage and an OPS of .861 in the early season, will serve as the designated hitter. Rounding out the lineup are Nolan Jones in right field, Gabriel Arias at second base, Angel Martínez in center field, Bo Naylor behind the plate, and Brayan Rocchio at shortstop.
As the teams prepare for the matchup, the Guardians come in with a modest offensive performance, holding a wRC+ of 99 and a wOBA of .302. Their recent five-game winning streak was snapped with a loss to the Kansas City Royals, highlighting the inconsistency that has plagued their offense. Despite this, the Guardians have shown flashes of power, with their isolated power rising to .152.
In terms of betting odds, the Orioles are favored at -150, while the Guardians are priced at +128. The total runs are set at 8.5, with many analysts suggesting that the over could be a solid bet given the struggles of both starting pitchers. Charlie Morton’s recent form has led to predictions that he could allow multiple earned runs, making the Guardians' moneyline appealing at +130.
Analysts have noted that while Morton has had a rough go, the Orioles' offense should still be capable of producing runs. After all, they ranked 14th in wRC+ this season and have shown potential against left-handed pitching. The Guardians, on the other hand, will look to Allen to provide a strong performance and keep their winning momentum going.
Looking ahead to the matchup, both teams will be eager to secure a win to gain momentum as they navigate the early part of the season. With the Guardians looking to maintain their position in the AL Central and the Orioles desperate for a turnaround, this series opener promises to be a compelling contest.
As the game time approaches, fans will be tuned in to see whether Morton can turn back the clock and deliver a vintage performance or if Allen will continue to build on his recent success. The stakes are high, and both teams will be looking to capitalize on this opportunity to set the tone for the series.
