It seemed like a fairly simple equation two months ago. If the Orioles could maintain some semblance of competitive equilibrium while they waited for pitching ace Chris Tillman and closer Zach Britton to return from the disabled list, they would be positioned well to reach the playoffs for the fourth time in six years.
And, for a while, they did much more than that, rushing to the top of the standings in April and dominating their American League East rivals through nearly half of their divisional schedule.
They’re still holding their own and buying time, but the 2017 season is no longer young and the end of their injury uncertainty is not yet in sight.