MLB Game Preview - Detroit at Baltimore

Tue May 28, 2019 7:05 PM EDT

The Baltimore Orioles have been struggling with closing out games recently. They finally did so successfully in a different way Monday against the visiting Detroit Tigers and hope to keep rolling when they play the second game of this three-game series on Tuesday night.

Baltimore has lost late leads several recent games. In fact, before Monday's game, manager Brandon Hyde said they would move closer Mychal Givens out of that role to let him settle down, but he added that the Orioles definitely need him back there.

In Monday's 5-3 victory over the Tigers, Baltimore's Gabriel Ynoa made his first career start and went four innings. He gave up two runs before giving way to Dan Straily, who has been moved out of the starting rotation due to his recent problems.

Straily, though, got the win after allowing only one run in four innings, and Shawn Armstrong closed it in the ninth despite running into some trouble. He got the final out with runners at second and third to earn his second career save.

"I know our guys play hard," Hyde said. "We play to win."

Baltimore took advantage of some Detroit mistakes. Shortstop Ronny Rodriguez tried to throw to second to start a double play in the third, but made a wild throw that eventually led to two runs.

The Tigers cut the lead to 4-3 in the fifth on a double by Nicholas Castellanos, but he got caught too far off second after a fly ball to right, and shortstop Richie Martin grabbed the throw and started a rundown. Those two gaffes alone really hurt the Tigers and helped the Orioles.

Baltimore also has been hitting better of late, and Renato Nunez homered, his sixth in eight games.

The Orioles also made two moves on Monday. They traded pitcher Yefry Ramirez to the Pittsburgh Pirates for a player to be named later or cash, and sent pitcher Evan Phillips back to Triple-A Norfolk after the game.

Detroit's problems continue to mount in a number of spots.

The Tigers had chances to win or at least tie Monday but couldn't come through on offense. They've been one of the worst offensive teams in the majors this season.

After Monday's game, the Tigers' batting average is .225, fourth lowest in the major leagues. Plus, they're not getting those hits at the key times.

Also, Detroit is missing four starting pitchers. Manager Ron Gardenhire told MLB.com on Sunday that the organization lacks depth and is unable to solve this puzzle.

"We don't have enough down there in the minor leagues that can really come up and do anything right now," Gardenhire said. "They're not ready for this."

Gardenhire said they're looking for whatever solutions they can find, especially when it comes to pitching, because they need help.

"It's tough; we even went into Double-A bringing people up, and we're still trying to finagle our way through," he said to MLB.com. "We're signing older guys. We're just trying. All the staff is trying to find people to help us get through it ... and it all boils down to those four (injured) starters."

On Tuesday, left-hander Matthew Boyd, who has been effective for the Tigers, will start. He's 4-4 with a 3.11 ERA, and will face right-hander Dylan Bundy (2-5, 4.67).

Bundy has a career record of 0-1 with a 7.36 ERA in two games (one start) against the Tigers. Boyd has no wins or losses in three career starts versus Baltimore, with a 7.62 ERA.

--Field Level Media