The 2021 season was marked by a whole lot of games where the Orioles got blown out by the Rays while reliever after reliever was lit up in late innings. The O’s decided to try out something new for Opening Day in 2022, instead losing a close, 2-1 game to the Rays where they had some chances and blew them while the Rays were able to capitalize. There is no partial credit for a close loss. The Orioles are the same 0-1 as they would be if they’d lost 11-1.
With John Means only able to pitch four innings due to an elevated pitch count and the short spring training keeping him from building up his stamina, the bullpen was always going to be leaned on heavily.