Orioles Open St Louis Series Trailing in Wild Card Race

The Baltimore Orioles open a road series against the St. Louis Cardinals on August 25, 2026, trailing by two and a half games in the American League Wild Card race following an off-day standings drop, as reported by MASN Sports.

Baltimore fell behind after the Cleveland Guardians seized the third Wild Card spot, while the Houston Astros, Minnesota Twins, and Toronto Blue Jays also remain ahead of the Orioles in the playoff push.

Right-hander Chris Bassitt makes his 15th appearance with Baltimore, facing his 15th different opponent since joining the club. Bassitt has allowed five runs over 11 innings across two starts since returning from lower-back surgery, posting a 6.92 ERA in five career outings against St. Louis.

St. Louis counters with left-hander Matthew Liberatore, who carries a 5-11 record and a 5.04 ERA into the opener. The Cardinals have dropped three consecutive games after being swept by the Philadelphia Phillies over the weekend, allowing six or more runs in four straight contests.

Baltimore's lineup features catcher Samuel Basallo and designated hitter Coby Mayo, who bats fourth. Outfielder Tyler O'Neill remains sidelined with a sore shoulder and is scheduled for an MRI, according to manager Craig Albernaz in St. Louis.

First baseman Pete Alonso enters the series with a career 1.150 OPS in 20 road games at Busch Stadium, marking the highest mark by any player at the venue since 2006 with a minimum of 75 plate appearances.

The Orioles have hit home runs in 12 consecutive games, their longest streak since August 2024, while sitting at an 11-8 record on the road following the All-Star break.