The Baltimore Orioles have carried over their success from the 2023 season, currently boasting a 13-7 record and trailing the first-place New York Yankees in the American League East by just 0.5 games. Following their 101-win season and division title last year, the Orioles are well-positioned for another strong performance.
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While the team has performed admirably overall, much credit goes to pitchers Corbin Burnes and Grayson Rodriguez. The Orioles are undefeated in the nine starts made by these two right-handers, contrasting with a 4-7 record in all other games. Burnes, in particular, has been instrumental in their success, as highlighted by Thomas Harrigan of MLB.com in his feature on offseason acquisitions paying off. Despite a challenging outing on Saturday where he allowed three earned runs in 5 2/3 innings pitched, Burnes boasts a season ERA of 2.76. In his 29 1/3 innings pitched, the California native has recorded 29 strikeouts while issuing just five walks.
The Orioles made the move for Burnes with the expectation that the three-time All-Star would have an immediate impact, and he has delivered accordingly. His performance has mirrored his stellar track record, affirming the organization’s decision to acquire him.
At 29 years old, he is the frontrunner in the majority of sportsbooks to claim the Cy Young award, a testament to his pitching prowess.
During the offseason, acquiring an ace was a priority, and the front office succeeded in securing one of the premier arms in the league. Now, they’re witnessing the justification for making that trade.
