Orioles Saturday afternoon game thread, 4:05pm ET

TL;DR

The Orioles face the Athletics today at 4:05 PM ET, hoping to improve after a disappointing performance against Jacob Lopez. Aaron Civale, a right-handed starter for the Athletics, poses a challenge, while Shane Baz takes the mound for the Orioles.

Key points

Orioles play Athletics at 4:05 PM ET
Shane Baz starts for Orioles, Aaron Civale for Athletics
Civale has a 2.95 ERA but a higher xERA of 4.19

Baltimore OriolesOakland AthleticsShane BazAaron Civale

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 3: Aaron Civale #45 of the Athletics pitches the ball against the Cleveland Guardians during the second inning at Sutter Health Park on May 3, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Kelley L Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images OK, so that was lackluster. The Orioles did it again on Friday night, taking a pedestrian starter in Jacob Lopez (err, that’s generous, even for someone with a 6.60 ERA entering last night) and making him look like an ace. They managed just two runs off of Lopez, both on solo home runs. So does that mean that today, by the transitive property, facing a competent right-handed starter in Aaron Civale (3-1, 2.95 ERA) they’ll him look like a bum? I have my doubts. Now in his eighth season, the 30-year-old has bounced around between six teams since 2023, including Tampa Bay, where some of this team remembers facing him. As John Beers’ series preview noted, Civale been one of the luckiest pitchers in baseball this season, with a 2.95 ERA comparing quite favorably to an xERA of 4.19. His hard-hit rate is flirting with 50% and his strikeout rate, 6.60 per game. Neither number is good. Maybe the O’s can take advantage. Gunnar Henderson likes hitting off the righty, with a .427 BA and one HR in 7 AB’s. But the rest of the team hasn’t done much against him: is 1-for-9, 1-for-5 and 0-for-10 facing Civale. As for the Orioles’ champion, (1-3, 4.99 ERA, 33 K) is showing flashes of his potential interspersed with stretches of murkiness. On April 28 against , Baz was excellent, going 5 2/3 innings with just one run and strikeouts. But his last time out in the Bronx, the reception was much more unfriendly, as the righty allowed five runs in 5 2/3 while also walking five. , first place though they are, are not the at the dish. Baz has faced a few of these hitters before: Shane Langeliers has the best track record, at 4-for-10 with a one home run. is 2-for-10. And is 0-for-7. Conceivably, this could be a good matchup for the O’s. Will they cash in? **Orioles lineup**

Q&A

What time does the Orioles game against the Athletics start?

The Orioles game against the Athletics starts at 4:05 PM ET.

Who are the starting pitchers for the Orioles vs Athletics game?

Shane Baz is starting for the Orioles, while Aaron Civale is starting for the Athletics.

How has Aaron Civale performed this season?

Aaron Civale has a 3-1 record with a 2.95 ERA, though his xERA is higher at 4.19.