Technically the Orioles have nothing to play for, but lefty John Means continues to make his case for a big postseason role. He's allowed one run in each of his last two starts, covering 12.1 innings versus the Guardians and Astros. He's given up just five hits in that span. The Red Sox have lost five straight, scoring two or fewer in four of the five defeats. Look for Baltimore to send Boston to its 12th defeat in the past 14 games.

Baltimore has clinched the number one seed in the AL. The Orioles may be resting some of their key bats after last night’s game. Boston has lost Nick Pivetta’s last four starts; however, he has allowed three earned runs, or less, in all five starts in September.

The Orioles are leading the Red Sox 2-0 in the ninth inning as I write this and would win the AL East and earn the top seed with a victory. I'm presuming that's the case and that there will be a major party inside Camden Yards late into the night -- first division title since 2014 -- with most key guys resting Friday. I'd normally do the Boston RL but it's a bit high priced as clearly the books are expecting a lot of Sox action post-clinch.