Trevor Rogers throws quality start against Cubs

Rogers had good velocity today, struck out seven and allowed just four hard-hit balls, but the first six batters to reach against him all scored on a three-run homer in the second, a two-run homer in the fourth and an RBI single in the fifth. It’s the first time in 17 starts since May 18 that he’s allowed more than four earned runs. He should still be fine to use in Colorado next week.

Rogers made it through the first inning without any trouble, but in the second inning, a leadoff double by Junior Caminero was followed by an RBI single by Chandler Simpson to tie the game at 1-1. That was just the beginning of a rough inning for Rogers, who would allow a two-run homer to rookie Kenny Piper two batters later to put the Rays up 3-1. Rogers would settle in after that, as he would go on to pitch five straight scoreless innings to hold the Rays in check before exiting after the seventh inning with a 5-3 lead. It was the exact kind of start the Orioles needed from Rogers, who has now allowed three earned runs or fewer in his last four starts. Rogers next start is scheduled for Thursday on the road against the Cardinals.

Rogers punched out six batters on the afternoon while allowing only one base on balls. He served up a solo homer to Ryan Vilade in the fourth inning and allowed an RBI single to Jorge Mateo in the sixth, but that was the extent of the damage done against him. The 28-year-old southpaw got 16 swings and misses on 98 pitches in the ballgame, posting a strong CSW of 33 percent. He’ll look to keep the good times rolling as he carries a 4.15 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and a 108/35 K/BB ratio (125 2/3 innings) into a rematch against the Rays on Friday.

Rogers’ velocity was up across the board as he averaged 95.2 mph on his fastball and topped out at 97.4 mph, his fastest pitch of the entire season. He wasn’t the most efficient in this outing, needing 79 pitches to complete four frames. He gave up four hits, including a solo homer to Austin Martin. He finished with four strikeouts, but also issued two walks and hit a pair of batters. He’ll close out a two-start week with a road matchup against the Rays on Sunday.

Rogers gave up three hits, walked none and struck out nine. He improved to 7-7 with the win. Rogers is now 5-1 with a 2.32 ERA since June 1 (11 starts). He has a 4.20 ERA this season. Rogers is lined up to face the Twins on the road next week.

The Orioles are unclear about whether they truly want to trade away players at the deadline because, despite being three games under .500, they are just 2.5 games out of a playoff spot. The expiring contracts include Taylor Ward, Trevor Rogers and Andrew Kittredge, but the Orioles are also listening to offers for Adley Rutschman, who is under team control for one more season. While it remains unclear what the Orioles will do, Rosenthal believes that “Ward and Rogers, even as rentals, could fetch sizable returns,” so they remain the two most likely to be moved. If anybody moves at all.

Rogers struck out six and didn’t walk anyone. Baltimore trailed 7-0 against Tarik Skubal but came back to tie the game and eventually win 10-9 in 12 innings. This was Rogers’ first start allowing more than three earned runs since May 29, as he’s been sensational in June and July. Some poor defense didn’t help, so he’ll look to bounce back at home against the Angels next time out.

Rogers didn’t allow a walk in this one and gave up his only two runs in the top of the fourth inning. Mauricio Dubón hit a sacrifice fly to drive home Ozzie Albies and cut the Orioles’ lead to 2-1, and Austin Riley would single on the next at-bat to bring home Michael Harris to tie the game at 2-2. Despite the disappointing outcome, Rogers continues to be a force on the mound for the O’s, and is boasting a 1.80 ERA over his last nine starts. He’s scheduled to take the mound on Wednesday on the road against the Tigers.

Rogers gave up seven hits, walked one and struck out eight. The 28-year-old left-hander had an excellent outing, but was pulled after allowing back-to-back singles with one out in the seventh inning. One of the runs that was Rogers’ responsibility came around to score, tying the game 1-1. He lowered his ERA to 4.28. Rogers is lined up to face the Braves at home next weekend.

The 30-year-old right-hander will get the ball for the O’s in their second half opener. Injuries limited him to just four starts in the first half where he posted a 4.09 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and a 24/4 K/BB ratio over 22 innings of work. Trevor Rogers will follow on Saturday with Kyle Bradish getting the ball in Sunday’s series finale.