The Baltimore Orioles are set to begin a three-game series against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday. At 42-49, Baltimore is outside the playoff bubble under first-year manager Craig Albernaz, currently 3.5 games back from an American League wild card spot.
However, with six total games left before the All-Star break, the Orioles have the chance to take down the Cubs, who enter the series at 50-40. Before starting things off, though, the team has opted to make a change to its pitching staff.
On Tuesday, the Orioles announced that they have recalled left-handed pitcher Nick Raquet from the Triple-A Norfolk Tides. In order to make room on the 26-man roster, they optioned right-handed pitcher Cameron Weston down to Norfolk.
Raquet has spent the majority of the 2026 season in the minors, pitching in 24 games, accumulating a 3.19 ERA, a 1.35 WHIP and 33 strikeouts. He has spent some time in the majors with Baltimore. However, he wasn't extremely effective, sporting a 10.13 ERA.
He is expected to take up a spot in Baltimore's bullpen, which has struggled throughout the season. Orioles relievers currently rank 18th in ERA (4.25), tied for 13th in WHIP (1.30), rank 19th in strikeouts (312) and rank 21st in opponent batting average (.254).
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While the postseason is still months away, the Orioles are focused on staying in the hunt, making every roster decision crucial. After allowing three earned runs in 2.2 innings of work at the MLB level this season, Raquet has the opportunity to bounce back.
First pitch between the Orioles and Cubs is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. ET at Camden Yards. According to ESPN's matchup predictor, Baltimore has a 49.9% chance of winning.
