Orioles Saturday afternoon game thread, 4:05pm ET

May 9, 2026 - 22:15

The Baltimore Orioles take on the Tampa Bay Rays this Saturday with a 4:05 pm ET first pitch, as right-hander Shane Baz toes the rubber for Tampa Bay. Baz, a former top prospect, will look to shut down an Orioles lineup that has been inconsistent at the plate this season. Across the diamond, Baltimore sends Aaron Civale to the mound in a matchup that features two pitchers who once shared a clubhouse in Tampa Bay.

Civale, who was traded from the Rays to the Orioles earlier this year, will face his old teammates for the first time since the deal. The righty has struggled with command at times but has shown flashes of the ground-ball efficiency that made him a reliable starter in Cleveland. For the Orioles, the key will be getting to Baz early, as the young flamethrower has a tendency to miss bats but can also walk himself into trouble.

Baltimore sits in the thick of the playoff race, and every game against a division rival carries extra weight. The Orioles need a win to keep pace in the American League East, while the Rays are fighting to stay relevant in the wild card hunt. First pitch is set for just after 4 pm, with both teams hoping to grab an early advantage.