The Orioles will look to bounce back against the Seattle Mariners, who come to town for three starting today. The O’s, of course, had their seven game win streak snapped on Sunday when Darren O’Day lost focus on two pitches due to the first base umpire not knowing what a check swing is. In the end, the O’s took two of three from the Detroit Tigers and no one can be upset about that.

Unfortunately, the Boston Red Sox are also playing out of their minds so the Orioles haven’t been able to create any space at the top of the American League East standings. The good news is the rest of the division is below .500 so this is quickly becoming a two-team race.

JIMENEZ TAKES THE MOUND IN GAME ONE

Ubaldo Jimenez has been very inconsistent in his three starts this month as he failed to complete five innings on May 1, but followed that start up with an eight inning gem that saw him allow two runs and walk only one. In his last start, the veteran walked four and allowed nine hits in only five innings.

We are used to the inconsistency by Jimenez, but that doesn’t make it any less frustrating. The starting pitching staff continues to be a strength this season, a surprise to us all, and hopefully Jimenez can find a way to string together a few quality starts in a row, instead of the usual roller coaster.

ALVAREZ PLAYING THIRD BASE

Buck Showalter often says things to instill confidence, but I usually don’t buy into it. Throughout spring training, Showalter said Pedro Alvarez could be an option defensively this season which I didn’t want to believe. However, Alvarez has started the last two games at the hot corner and hasn’t embarrassed himself.

I still believe he will be exposed if the team decides to have him play there on a semi-regular basis until J.J. Hardy returns, but it’s good to know the Orioles have options which allow them to get another hitter in the lineup, like Nolan Reimold.

SCHOOP TAKING THE NEXT STEP?

When Jonathan Schoop was injured last year, the team not only lost his production on the field, but his presence in the locker room. Schoop’s personality helps balance the clubhouse that is filled with the calm demeanors of Chris Tillman, Chris Davis, Hardy and more. I don’t think it was mentioned enough how much his injury impacted the team last year.

After finishing with 15 home runs in limited at-bats in 2015, many projected Schoop could hit close to 25 in 2016. At his current pace, Schoop would hit over 30. We all know Schoop plays elite level defense, but it’s great to see the power continuing to develop and right now, his .266 batting average is very acceptable. Schoop still doesn’t walk enough so I have my doubts he can keep up with the batting average even though he did bat .279 in 2015 with only nine walks. However, the power is legit and he should be able to hit 25 home runs by the end of the year.

We have talked about the core for the last few years and usually Schoop is left out. Manny Machado and Adam Jones are around for at least a few more seasons, Chris Davis is here for the long-term, and Schoop is under control for at least three more years as well. That is a strong offensive core for the next few seasons.