Orioles game Saturday vs. Rays at Camden Yards delayed because of rain

The Orioles have already won four games in September after struggling in July and August. A potential fifth triumph will have to wait for the weather to cooperate.

The start of the Orioles’ game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday has been delayed to approximately 4:30 p.m. because of rain. The game was originally scheduled for 4:05 p.m.

At the exact moment the public address announcer revealed the Orioles’ game would be delayed, the skies opened and rain began falling on the early birds already in their seats. The tarp had already been rolled onto the playing surface.

The New York Yankees’ game against the Chicago Cubs was played on the video board in center field for fans to watch. The Orioles entered Saturday a half game up on the Yankees atop the American League East standings with 20 contests remaining.

The rainy weather in Baltimore isn’t expected to impact the Orioles’ ability to play Saturday’s game. The rain isn’t expected to continue into the evening, and no rain is in the forecast for Sunday’s series finale scheduled for 12:05 p.m. on Roku.

The Orioles won the series opener, 2-0 , behind Dean Kremer’s gutsy performance and Yennier Cano’s heroics in relief. Baltimore (82-60) has largely played .500 ball over the past few months, which included going 12-13 in July and 13-15 in August. But the local nine has taken care of business against inferior opponents this week, opening September 4-1 with wins over the Colorado Rockies, Chicago White Sox and Rays.

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Saturday’s matchup features Zach Eflin’s second start against the team that traded him to Baltimore at the deadline. Eflin has won all five of his starts with the Orioles, posting a sparkling 1.95 ERA and 0.959 WHIP. He pitched seven shutout innings against the Rays at Tropicana Field in early August. He will start opposite Tampa Bay right-hander Ryan Pepiot (7-6, 3.76 ERA).

The delay is the Orioles’ 16th this season. Before Saturday, they lasted a combined 21 hours, 31 minutes. Baltimore is 5-9 in games that were delayed or suspended, which doesn’t include the club’s postponement against the Toronto Blue Jays earlier this season.

Saturday’s lineup features Emmanuel Rivera at third base in the No. 8 hole over rookie Coby Mayo and James McCann catching with Adley Rutschman serving as Baltimore’s designated hitter. Here are the lineups:

Orioles lineup

1. Gunnar Henderson, SS
2. Adley Rutschman, DH
3. Ryan O’Hearn, 1B
4. Anthony Santander, RF
5. Colton Cowser, LF
6. Cedric Mullins, CF
7. Jackson Holliday, 2B
8. Emmanuel Rivera, 3B
9. James McCann, C

Rays lineup

1. Yandy Díaz, DH
2. Jonathan Aranda, 2B
3. Junior Caminero, 3B
4. Josh Lowe, RF
5. Jonny DeLuca, LF
6. Logan Driscoll, C
7. Jose Siri, CF
8. Taylor Walls, SS
9. Austin Shenton, 1B

This article will be updated.