Cook (4-10, 4.93 ERA) is coming off of one of his best starts of the season, in which he gave up one run in six innings on 75 pitches against the Rays. It was the fewest runs he had given up since surrendering one run against the Rangers on Aug. 6, which was also the last time he threw more than seven innings. While the numbers weren’t spectacular, they were as strong as could be expected from the veteran sinkerballer. Cook walked just one batter and induced 13 ground balls, including two that ended in double plays.

The Orioles were Cook’s opponent in his first start of the season on May 5 after he was called up to the major league roster. It could not have gone much worse. Cook pitched just 2 2/3 innings, giving up six earned runs, and was injured when he was spiked in the knee on a play at the plate. Cook went on to settle down as the season progressed and had a much better showing against the Orioles in the most recent meeting on Aug. 15. In that outing, Cook lasted 5 1/3 innings and gave up two runs. He would eventually go on to get the loss in that start, as Baltimore won 5-3.

Though he hadn’t faced the Orioles before this season, Cook has a solid track record against the members of the Baltimore lineup that he regularly faced while he was with the Rockies, namely Mark Reynolds and Nate McLouth. Reynolds hasn’t hit Cook all too much, but when he has, he’s done damage, boasting a robust .500 slugging percentage against him. Meanwhile, McClouth has struggled, posting a .578 OPS, the lowest of any Oriole who’s faced Cook more than twice.

Making the start for the Orioles will be one of the team’s most recent veteran additions, 36-year-old Randy Wolf. After breaking into the majors with the Phillies back in 1999 and bouncing around multiple teams, Wolf (5-10, 5.66 ERA) was acquired by the Orioles after being released by the Brewers and made his first career appearance for an American League club at the beginning of September.

Wolf’s first three appearances in a Baltimore uniform came out of the bullpen before he started his first game for them Sept. 16 against the Athletics. Wolf only gave up two runs, but the outing was tied for his shortest start of the season, lasting just four innings although he threw 72 pitches.

Wolf’s track record against the Sox is limited but impressive. In six starts against the Red Sox, Wolf is 3-1 with a 2.70 ERA. At Fenway Park, Wolf’s record of excellence continues to the tune of a 2-1 record with a 2.73 ERA. Against the lineup he will see on Saturday, Wolf has posted a .245 batting average against. In 53 plate appearances, has given up just two extra-base hits, doubles by James Loney and Scott Podsednik.

Orioles vs. Cook (RHP)

Mark Reynolds (26 plate appearances): .227 BA/.308 OBP/.500 SLG, 3 doubles, 1 home run, 4 RBIs, 2 walks, 9 strikeouts

Nate McLouth (21): .222/.300/.278, 1 double, 2 RBIs, 2 walks, 1 strikeout

Endy Chavez (16): .313/.313/.375, 1 double, 1 RBI, 3 strikeouts

Wilson Betemit (11): .556/.636/.889, 1 home run, 3 RBIs, 2 walks

J.J. Hardy (8): .250/.400/.889, 1 walk

Adam Jones (5): .250/.400/.250, 1 home run, 3 RBIs

Nick Markakis (5): .333/.600/.333, 1 RBI, 2 walks

Matt Wieters (5): .500/.600/1.000, 2 doubles, 1 RBI, 1 walk

Chris Davis (4): .500/.500/.500

Robert Andino (2): .000/.000/.000

Manny Machado (2): .000/.000/.000

Omar Quintanilla (2): .000/.000/.000

Red Sox vs. Wolf (LHP)

Cody Ross (15 plate appearances): .214 BA/.267 OBP/.214 SLG, 1 walk, 2 strikeouts

James Loney (12): .300/.417/.400, 1 double, 2 RBIs, 2 walks

Scott Podsednik (10): .125/.300/.250, 1 double, 1 RBI, 2 walks, 1 strikeout

Jarrod Saltalamacchia (10): .333/.300/.333, 2 RBIs, 2 strikeouts

Jacoby Ellsbury (4): .250/.250/.250

Dustin Pedroia (4): .250/.250/.250, 1 strikeout