Pete Alonso is walking back into Citi Field tonight, chasing his 300th career home run, a huge milestone for any slugger, especially one who spent seven years lighting up the scoreboard for the Mets. This isn’t just another game for “The Polar Bear,” it’s a homecoming, and you’ve gotta believe he’s getting a warm welcome from the New York faithful who watched him crush so many dingers. For the Orioles, though, who shelled out a cool five years and $155 million for him last offseason, it’s about what he brings to their lineup now.
Basallo Sidelined and a Young Infield Stepping Up
While Alonso eyes that big 300, the Orioles are dealing with some real headaches back home. Young Samuel Basallo isn’t in the lineup tonight, sidelined with some right shoulder discomfort. That’s a bummer, man, especially when you’re trying to make a push,or, well, when you’re just trying to finish strong. Carlos Narváez steps in behind the plate, batting ninth. The rest of their infield, though, that’s where the future buzz is: Gunnar Henderson at shortstop, Coby Mayo at third, and Jackson Holliday at second. These guys are the heart of their order, no doubt. Dylan Beavers is leading off in left field, with Christian Encarnacion-Strand batting sixth as the DH, Heston Kjerstad in right, and Colton Cowser rounding out the outfield in center.
Brandon Young’s Workload As The Season Winds Down
On the mound, Baltimore is sending out right-hander Brandon Young, who’s already tossed a career high 140.2 innings this year. That’s a lot of work, especially for a young arm! He’s put up a solid 9-4 record with a 3.71 ERA, which is pretty darn good for a season where his team is, let’s be real, all but out of contention. You have to wonder if this could be his last start of the season. Baltimore is clearly in a late-season shuffle, optioning RHP Yaramil Hiraldo and bringing up RHP Codi Heuer, who they grabbed from Milwaukee for cash back on August 3. It’s the kind of move you make when you’re looking to see what you’ve got for next year.
Tonight, it’s about Alonso making history in front of a crowd that once adored him. For the Orioles, it’s about playing spoiler, maybe getting that milestone for Alonso, and just seeing how these young guys close out a season that’s slipped away.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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