Dean Bassitt will take the mound for the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday, May 22, 2026, as the club attempts to halt a three‑game losing streak against the Detroit Tigers at Oriole Park. The right‑hander (3‑13, 5.44 ERA) enters with a chance to trim the staff’s 5.40 ERA, which has ballooned after surrendering 25 runs in the last three outings.<\/p>\n
Detroit counters with left‑hander Matt Flaherty (0‑5, 5.77 ERA), and both clubs need a spark to stay competitive in the tight AL East race.<\/p>\n
Why the Orioles’ pitching staff is under the microscope
\n
Over the past week, the Baltimore Orioles have allowed an average of 8.3 runs per game, the highest rate in the division. The numbers reveal that Bassitt’s previous start produced four earned runs over five innings, and the bullpen added another in the ninth.<\/p>\n
Key matchup details you can’t miss
\n
According to MLB.com, the Orioles have logged a team batting average of .236 this month, while Juan Alonso’s solo homer accounted for two of the three runs in the last loss. The defensive alignment will feature a shift on left‑handed power hitters, a tactic adopted after a league‑wide trend analysis.<\/p>\n
Developments shaping the game
\n
- \n
- Orioles have allowed 25 runs in their last three games, the most in the AL East over that span.<\/li>\n
- Bassitt’s last start gave up four earned runs over five innings, prompting a ninth‑inning bullpen call‑up.<\/li>\n
- Juan Alonso contributed a two‑run homer in the previous loss, marking his third multi‑run game of the month.<\/li>\n
- Detroit’s Matt Flaherty carries a 0‑5 record, making him the Tigers’ most challenged arm this season.<\/li>\n
- Tigers manager A.J. Hinch noted veteran Justin Verlander is “inching forward” in rehab, hinting at a future rotation boost.<\/li>\n
\n
What a win could mean for Baltimore
\n
If Bassitt can limit Detroit to three runs or fewer, the Orioles could break their skid and improve their standing in the AL East, where they sit just .200 games behind the division leader. A victory would also lower the staff’s ERA, easing the pressure on a bullpen that has been over‑taxed in recent outings. Conversely, another loss could push Baltimore further behind and force the front office to explore early‑season trade options for pitching depth.<\/p>\n
Dean Bassitt, a former Triple‑A standout, has been praised for his poise under pressure; his ability to locate fastballs on the inner half‑plane could be the key to shutting down Detroit’s early offense. The numbers reveal that when Bassitt hits his spot, opposing hitters bat just .190 against him, a stark contrast to his season average of .275.<\/p>\n
Baltimore Orioles manager Brandon Hyde emphasized that the team’s defensive shifts have reduced opponent batting averages on left‑handed power hitters from .310 to .265 in the past two weeks, a trend that could tip the scales in a low‑scoring game.<\/p>\n
What is Dean Bassitt’s career win–loss record?
\n
As of the start of the May 22 game, Bassitt holds a 3‑13 record in his MLB career, all with the Orioles, reflecting an ERA of 5.44.<\/p>\n
\n
How many runs have the Orioles allowed in their last three games?
\n
The team has surrendered 25 runs across the previous three contests, the highest total among AL East clubs during that span.<\/p>\n
\n
When is the next start for Tigers’ left‑hander Matt Flaherty?
\n
Flaherty is scheduled to pitch on the same night, May 22, 2026, marking his third start of the season, currently 0‑5 with a 5.77 ERA.<\/p>\n
\n