Up next: The Orioles

SCOUTING REPORT: The Orioles went 42-43 in the first half and are 17-19 in the second half. This is the latest they've been in third place in the AL East since August 1998. But Baltimore seems to have it backward.

It beats good teams -- 16-11 against the Mariners, A's, Angels and Twins -- but struggles against second-division clubs such as Tampa Bay, Detroit and Toronto. The Orioles are 11-18 against the latter trio.

The team's strength has been its pitching. Starter Rodrigo Lopez should be in consideration for AL Rookie of the Year. The right-hander ranks among league leaders with a 3.24 ERA and has held opponents to a .224 batting average.

The offense has been slowed by numerous injuries to key players.

Third baseman Tony Batista has 32 doubles, and shortstop Mike Bordick was activated from the 15-day disabled list Saturday. He missed 29 games with a fractured right kneecap.

TAMPA BAY CONNECTIONS: Pitcher Jason Johnson was the Rays' seventh pick in the expansion draft and was traded for outfielder Danny Clyburn in March 1999. Rays reliever Esteban Yan made his major-league debut in 1996 with Baltimore. Rays first-base coach Lee May played for the Orioles from 1975-80.

ALL-TIME SERIES: The Rays lead the all-time series 36-35 and the season series 8-7. Baltimore has lost three of five at Camden Yards this season.

WHO'S HOT: Entering Sunday's game against the Tigers, leftfielder Marty Cordova was hitting .333 in his past 15 games.

WHO'S NOT: Outfielder Jay Gibbons was 9-for-56 (.161) over his previous 16 games through Saturday. He went 2-for-6 against the Tigers.