Orioles lose 6-3 to the Guardians on July 23, 2025, as Brandon Young's struggles continue. A José Ramírez HR sealed the O's fourth loss in five games.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
The post-All-Star break blues continued for the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday night, as another promising start quickly unraveled into a frustrating 6-3 defeat at the hands of the Cleveland Guardians. What was supposed to be a fresh start to the second half is quickly becoming a familiar story of missed opportunities and pitching woes, leaving Birdland wondering when the tide will turn.
The Orioles have now lost four of their last five games since the All-Star break, dropping their record to 44-55.
The game was almost over before it began. Starter Brandon Young's search for his first big-league win hit another snag as he surrendered a first-inning home run to José Ramírez, setting a tone the Orioles couldn't overcome. Young ultimately took the loss, dropping his record to a difficult 0-5. The offense, meanwhile, was put on ice by Guardians starter Joey Cantillo, who held the O's to just two hits over five innings. A solo shot from Ramón Laureano in the sixth and a late push were too little, too late, as Cleveland's bullpen and a key sacrifice bunt by Bryan Rocchio sealed the deal.
This recent skid has solidified the Orioles' position at the bottom of the AL East. Now sitting at 44-55, the team is a distant 14.5 games behind the division-leading Toronto Blue Jays. The optimism of the season's first half feels like a distant memory, and the focus now shifts to salvaging pride, developing young talent like Young despite his record, and building momentum for 2026.
While the major league club struggles, hope is brewing down on the farm and in the training room. The Orioles' pitching staff, battered and bruised, may soon get a much-needed boost. Kyle Bradish, recovering from Tommy John surgery, is slated for his first rehab start with High-A Aberdeen on July 24. Cade Povich is expected to make another start for Triple-A Norfolk this week, and Tyler Wells is now throwing live batting practice. These are critical steps for players who could reshape the rotation in the season's final stretch. The news isn't all good, however, as Scott Blewett landed on the 15-day IL with elbow discomfort, prompting the team to sign RHP Corbin Martin to a major league deal to plug a hole.
All eyes now turn to Wednesday's series finale. The Orioles will send veteran RHP Zach Eflin (6-5, 5.95 ERA) to the mound against Cleveland's Slade Cecconi. It's more than just another game; it's a chance to stop the bleeding, salvage a win on the road, and prove this team still has some fight left. A strong outing from Eflin is desperately needed to give the bullpen a rest and the clubhouse a reason to believe again.
