The Baltimore Orioles host the Atlanta Braves on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at Oriole Park at Camden Yards for a 1:35 PM ET first pitch. Shane Baz starts for Baltimore against Reynaldo López in an interleague afternoon game. With the bulk of the regular season still ahead, every game in this stretch carries weight for a young Orioles roster trying to establish itself in the American League East. Catch the action on MASN locally or on 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan and WBAL 1090 AM on radio.

Shane Baz Takes the Ball for Baltimore

Baz gets the start for the Orioles and represents one of the more intriguing arms in this rotation. The right-hander has shown flashes of genuine frontline potential, and a Sunday afternoon home start against a quality Braves lineup is exactly the kind of audition that sharpens a pitcher. Camden Yards can be a hitter-friendly environment, so Baz will need to work efficiently and keep the ball in the yard if he wants to give Baltimore a genuine chance to win this one.

Opposing him is Reynaldo López, who comes over from the National League side with a repertoire that can generate swings and misses. López is a legitimate test for any lineup. Baltimore hitters will need to be disciplined early and work counts to do any damage.

Orioles Lineup Built for Damage

Baltimore is rolling out a lineup that has real run-scoring potential top to bottom. Dylan Beavers leads off from left field, with Pete Alonso slotted in at first base batting second — a name that carries plenty of middle-of-the-order pedigree. Gunnar Henderson hits third at shortstop, the kind of elite talent that anchors any serious lineup. Taylor Ward slots in as the cleanup designated hitter, followed by Christian Encarnacion-Strand at third base.

• Dylan Beavers (LF) — Leadoff, sets the tone
• Pete Alonso (1B) — Power threat from the two-hole
• Gunnar Henderson (SS) — Baltimore's cornerstone bat
• Taylor Ward (DH) — Cleanup protection
• Christian Encarnacion-Strand (3B) — Power in the five-spot
• Colton Cowser (CF) — Athletic presence in center
• Leody Taveras (RF) — Speed and defense in right
• Jackson Holliday (2B) — Young talent looking to contribute
• Chadwick Tromp (C) — Rounds out the nine

The bottom third of this order — Holliday at second base and Chadwick Tromp catching — gives Baltimore some depth and keeps Atlanta's pitching staff from ever fully relaxing. Jackson Holliday remains one of the more closely watched young players in this organization, and opportunities like this Sunday start matter for his development.

Keys to Watch Against Atlanta

The storyline on the pitching side is straightforward: how deep can Baz go, and can he handle a Braves lineup that does not give away at-bats? On offense, Henderson and Alonso represent the heart of what Baltimore is trying to do this season. If those two are seeing the ball well and driving runners in, the Orioles will be in this game late.

Defensively, Leody Taveras and Colton Cowser give Baltimore excellent range in the outfield, which matters in a ballpark where balls can get out in a hurry. Keeping Atlanta's hitters to singles and doubles rather than extra bases will be critical for Baz and the bullpen behind him.

Prediction

This is a winnable game at home on a Sunday afternoon. The Orioles lineup has enough firepower to get to López, and if Baz can give Baltimore five or six solid innings, the bullpen can hold the lead. Expect a competitive, low-margin game — Orioles take it 4-3 in front of the Camden Yards crowd.