Ramón Laureano's 4 RBIs weren't enough as the Orioles' bullpen collapsed in a 10-5 loss to the Guardians on July 22, 2025. Can Baltimore fix its pitching?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a painful case of déjà vu for the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday, as a promising start evaporated into a lopsided 10-5 loss to the Cleveland Guardians. A mid-game lead, powered by a massive night from Ramón Laureano, wasn't enough to stop the bleeding as the bullpen faltered spectacularly, sending the Orioles to their fifth loss in the last six games and turning up the volume on fan frustration.
The game truly unraveled in the seventh inning when the bullpen allowed four runs, including two brutal bases-loaded walks issued by Grant Wolfram.
The night began with promise at Progressive Field. Ramón Laureano, despite battling a sore ankle, put the team on his back, launching a two-run homer in the third inning to give Baltimore a 5-3 lead. He finished the night with four RBIs, a lone bright spot in the box score. However, starter Tomoyuki Sugano couldn't find his command, issuing a season-high four walks in just 3 2/3 innings. The bullpen couldn't hold the line, with Colin Selby (0-1) surrendering a go-ahead solo homer in the sixth before the floodgates opened for seven unanswered Cleveland runs.
With the team sliding, the Orioles faithful have taken to social media to voice their concerns. The recurring theme of bullpen meltdowns has many fans calling for action from the front office ahead of the trade deadline. The loss has amplified speculation about whether the team will be buyers to shore up the pitching staff or pivot to reloading for the future, a critical decision point for a team that has struggled to find consistency.
The team is looking for answers, both internally and externally. On Tuesday, the Orioles recalled outfielder Dylan Carlson to provide much-needed depth as injuries to Laureano, Colton Cowser, and Ryan Mountcastle have thinned the ranks. On the recovery front, there's a glimmer of hope. Kyle Bradish is slated for his first rehab start with High-A Aberdeen this week, a massive step in his return from Tommy John surgery. Cade Povich is also expected to make another Triple-A start, while Tyler Wells has progressed to facing live batters, signaling that reinforcements for the pitching staff are on the horizon.
While the major league club navigates this rough patch, the future continues to look bright down on the farm. Catcher/first baseman Samuel Basallo remains a headline prospect, consistently showcasing his offensive firepower and reminding everyone of the deep talent pool in the organization's pipeline. His development is a key storyline to follow, offering a dose of optimism regardless of the big league team's day-to-day struggles.
The Orioles are at a crossroads. A brutal losing streak has exposed a leaky bullpen and tested the team's depth, just as the trade deadline looms. While the return of key pitchers like Kyle Bradish offers a light at the end of the tunnel, the immediate pressure is on the front office. The coming days will reveal whether Mike Elias and company will make a move to salvage the season or begin reloading for the future.
