Shane Baz solid for six in loss to Cubs

Baz will still get to finish on a rather positive note, as he turned in a quality start last time out against the Jays and went without adding to his total of 15 losses in his final three outings. He’ll finish tied with Tanner Bibee and Brady Singer for the MLB lead in losses, though his 4.11 ERA and 154/63 K/BB ratio in 179 2/3 innings aren’t so bad.

It was undoubtedly a positive sign to see Baz work deep into this one after taking a 105-mph line drive off his right arm during his previous start against the Mets last week. He struck out two and also issued three walks. It definitely didn’t seem like he was going to turn in a quality start when he surrendered three runs on three hits and a pair of walks in an ugly opening frame. However, he managed to settle in afterwards and silence the Blue Jays into the seventh inning. He’ll take the ball for the Orioles’ regular-season finale against the Yankees in New York on Sunday.

The Orioles weren’t going to take any chances after Baz was struck on his pitching arm by a 105.1 mph comebacker from Bo Bichette in the fifth inning. The 27-year-old was charged with three runs on seven hits over four innings. He struck out two and also handed out a pair of free passes. He’ll undergo further evaluation, and possibly imaging, to determine whether he’ll take the ball for his next start against the Blue Jays on Monday.

Tanner Bibee, the qualified starter with the second worst run support in the league, couldn’t deal with a big early lead against the Orioles on Tuesday and was left with a no-decision. Baz, the qualified starter with the worst run support in the league, also had some issues tonight, but he managed to hang on after being backed by an eight-run third inning. The win makes him 6-15 with a 4.05 ERA. He’ll likely face the Mets on Tuesday.

Baz gave up four hits, walked two and struck out six. He fell to 5-15 with the loss. The only run Baz allowed came on a solo home run by the blazing hot Mickey Gasper. He’s lost six of his last seven starts while only allowing more than three runs in a start once in that span. Baz’ 3.91 ERA indicates he’s pitched better than his 15 losses. He’s lined up to face the Guardians at home next week.

Baz gave up five hits, walked three and struck out four. He improved to 5-14 with the win. Baz had lost his last five starts entering play Saturday, but rebounded with a solid performance as he was one out away from recording a quality start. Baz has a 4.01 ERA. He’s lined up to face the Red Sox at home next week.

Baz struck out three and walked three in the 96-pitch outing. It was his third time facing his former team this season, but the first two went better than Sunday’s, with 15 strikeouts and two earned runs allowed across 13 frames. Baz appeared headed for another gem against them before three runs came around to score in the top of the sixth, ultimately handing him his league-leading 14th loss. He’ll look to rebound against the A’s in Sacramento next time out.

Baz allowed one run through six before giving up singles to two of the three batters he faced in the seventh. Josh Walker took over then and allowed both inherited runners to score to get Baz tagged with his 13th loss to the year. That’s the most losses for an Orioles pitcher since Jorge López and Matt Harvey both lost 14 games in 2021. The good news is that Baz’s velocity was back tonight after a surprising dip last time out that he said was a result of mechanical issues. Apart from that start, he’s mostly pitched well of late, and his next outing will come against a familiar Rays lineup that he’s turned in two of his better performances again this year (1-0, 1.38 ERA in 13 IP).

Something was well off with Baz today, as he averaged just 94.0 mph with his fastball. That’s two mph off his season average and one mph under his previous season low from June 7. He indicated after the game that the issue was likely mechanical, rather than anything injury related. Baz had been doing his best work of the season lately, allowing a total of five earned runs in his previous four starts. He’s due to face the Yankees next week.

This was one of the best starts of Baz’s career. He cruised through the first five innings facing just one batter over the minimum with zero walks and eight strikeouts. Then, Elias Díaz reached on an infield single to start the sixth inning and Joc Pederson made Baz pay for a first-pitch cutter at the letters that he sent out for a long two-run home run. That was the only mistake Baz made as his fastball and changeup stymied the Rangers’ left handed batters while his fastball, cutter, and knuckle-curve decimated the righties. Starts like this make for us to recognize his still ridiculous talent. Don’t look now, but Baz has a 2.93 ERA in 15 starts since May 15th with 82 strikeouts and 27 walks across 92 innings. He’s scheduled to face the Twins next time out.