Cleveland Guardians overpower the Baltimore Orioles 10-5 on July 22, 2025, despite a 2-hit night from Gunnar Henderson. Can Zach Eflin's return save the O's?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was another tough night for the Baltimore Orioles, as the Cleveland Guardians used the long ball to power their way to a 10-5 victory at Progressive Field. The loss marks the Orioles' second straight defeat and drops them to a season-low 11 games under .500, highlighting a pitching staff in desperate need of the help that is hopefully just around the corner.
The Orioles have now lost two straight, falling to 44-55 on the season and are just 4-6 in their last 10 games.
The struggles started early for the O's on Tuesday. Starter Brandon Young couldn't find his footing, getting tagged for another loss to fall to 0-4 with a 7.52 ERA. The Guardians' bats were relentless, launching three home runs, with a key blast from Jose Ramirez doing significant damage. While the offense showed some signs of life—Cedric Mullins went deep and Gunnar Henderson had a solid 2-for-4 night with a double and two RBIs—it wasn't nearly enough. The bullpen, a source of strength in past seasons, couldn't contain the damage, allowing Cleveland to pull away late and seal the victory.
For fans looking for a silver lining, it can be found on the injury report. The Orioles are getting closer to welcoming back some key arms. RHP Zach Eflin is nearing a return to the rotation after successful rehab outings in the minors. His presence would be a massive boost for a starting staff that has been inconsistent at best. He's not alone, either. LHP Keegan Akin is slated for a rehab appearance, and RHP Tyler Wells continues to make progress from his UCL surgery, recently throwing live batting practice. While their return isn't immediate, the prospect of a healthier, deeper pitching staff is the best news Orioles fans have had in weeks.
While the big league club gets healthier, the farm system took a minor hit. Top prospect Samuel Basallo is sidelined with right oblique discomfort, and his return to Triple-A Norfolk is uncertain. Oblique injuries can be tricky, so the organization will likely be cautious. On the transaction front, the team recently signed RHP Corbin Martin to a one-year deal for 2025, a move that adds depth for the future. However, no moves were made today, suggesting the front office is in a holding pattern, waiting to see how Eflin and Akin progress before shaking up the 26-man roster.
Tuesday's loss was a bitter pill to swallow, extending a frustrating stretch for the Orioles. The immediate challenge is to snap this losing streak and find some consistency on the mound. The bigger picture, however, revolves around the health of the pitching staff. Will Zach Eflin's return be the spark that turns things around? The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether the 2025 Orioles can climb back into contention or if this season will be defined by what could have been.
