Why Are the Baltimore Orioles Underdogs In the AL East?
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
In the tumultuous landscape of MLB, the American League East is witnessing an unexpected paradigm shift. Despite losing three of their last four games to the Baltimore Orioles, the Tampa Bay Rays have retained their status as the favorites to claim the division title.
With their consistent play, many would argue that the Orioles’ recent surge should have propelled them to the forefront. Currently leading the division and flaunting +135 odds to capture the division crown, the question remains, why are the Rays still juiced with a -135 favorite price tag?
The answer lies perhaps in the expected performance patterns of both teams. The Rays are traditionally known for their starting pitching, a factor perceived to play a significant role down the stretch. On the other hand, despite their strong stretch of play, the Orioles still carry the underdog tag due to relatively lower expectations.
However, it’s crucial to look at the gap between these teams. One thing is evident: the race to win the AL East is far from over. Therefore, should we still regard Tampa as the powerhouse they appeared to be earlier in the season?
Admittedly, the Rays have demonstrated a clear regression since their stellar performances in April, May, and June. Unless they revitalize their roster through trade deadline deals or see significant improvement from their bullpen and starting pitchers, they might not meet the high expectations set for them.
From what we’ve observed, the Rays appear to be more of a .500 club navigating their way through a challenging period. The Orioles, on the other hand, have showcased consistency since the start of the campaign and continue to prove their critics wrong.
The ongoing MLB season serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability baseball provides. Only time will tell whether the Tampa Bay Rays or Baltimore Orioles emerge victorious in the fiercely contested AL East division. Still, it’s right to question why the Orioles aren’t currently listed as the favorite to capture the division.
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