The Baltimore Orioles wrap up their Sunday afternoon at Oriole Park at Camden Yards when they host the Tampa Bay Rays on August 23, 2026, with first pitch set for 1:35 PM ET on MASN. Shane Baz takes the hill for Baltimore against Tampa Bay's Nick Martinez in what shapes up as an intriguing AL East matchup. With division positioning on the line in the heart of August, this is exactly the kind of afternoon game that separates teams building toward October from those just playing out the string.

Shane Baz vs. Nick Martinez: Sunday's Pitching Matchup

Baz gets the ball for the O's in what is a notable assignment — a division game in late August at home carries real weight. The right-hander will need to keep Tampa Bay's lineup in check and give Baltimore's offense time to go to work. On the other side, Martinez brings veteran savvy to the mound for the Rays. He's the kind of pitcher who won't beat himself, which means the Orioles will need to be patient, work counts, and make him pay for mistakes.

Baltimore Orioles Starting Lineup

• Jackson Holliday — 2B
• Pete Alonso — 1B
• Gunnar Henderson — SS
• Samuel Basallo — C
• Coby Mayo — DH
• Dylan Beavers — LF
• Christian Encarnacion-Strand — 3B
• Colton Cowser — CF
• Leody Taveras — RF

Keys to Watch in Baltimore vs. Tampa Bay

Henderson and Alonso in the Middle of It All

Gunnar Henderson hitting third and Pete Alonso slotted into the two-hole gives Baltimore a legitimate run-producing core in the heart of this lineup. If Baz can keep Tampa Bay off the board early, those two have the capability to do serious damage against Martinez. Alonso's presence in that two-hole adds protection for Holliday at the top and sets the table for Henderson to drive runs in.

Basallo and Mayo Provide Depth

Samuel Basallo batting cleanup and Coby Mayo right behind him at DH is a meaningful one-two punch in the back half of Baltimore's run-producing spots. If the Rays choose to pitch around Henderson, those two need to be ready to punish that decision. This lineup has length, and that is what makes it dangerous against a pitcher like Martinez who relies on forcing weak contact.

Baz Keeping the Rays Off the Bases

Tampa Bay is always a disciplined offensive club — they work walks, they put the ball in play, and they manufacture runs in ways that can unravel a pitcher who loses the strike zone. Baz's command will be the central storyline on the pitching side. If he's crisp and competitive through five or six innings, Baltimore's bullpen can close it out. If he's laboring early, this becomes a grind.

Prediction: Orioles Win a Close One at Camden Yards

This is a winnable game for Baltimore at home on a Sunday afternoon. The lineup has the firepower to get to Martinez, and Baz at Camden Yards in August is a solid spot to take the ball. Expect a tight, competitive game that comes down to a handful of at-bats. Orioles 4, Rays 2.