BALTIMORE—In the Orioles’ fifth game of the season, manager Brandon Hyde will give Colton Cowser and Tony Kemp their first start. Cowser will be in left field, and Kemp at second base.
Austin Hays started the first four games in left field. Hyde likes Cowser’s outfield versatility.
“We have a really good candidate in Colton Cowser and the way he came up as a centerfielder and has really good range and can play three spots in the outfield,” Hyde said. “I moved him around quite a bit in spring training. We’ve had a big-time luxury here the last couple of years with Hays being able to play a lot out there in left field. That’s been a real advantage for us over a lot of teams and the way he can play the outfield, especially how big it is in left field and how well he does that.”
Used as a defensive replacement and pinch-hitter, Cowser is 1-for-3.
“Colton’s got those type of abilities, also, a guy that can play center field and cover a lot of ground and can throw. I feel good about putting him out there.”
Kemp, who was signed as a free agent a week ago, is hitless in two at-bats.
“I just want to make sure I give these guys a start and don’t want to go too far, too long,” Hyde said. “I want to try to get everybody involved early. Tony’s played a lot in the big leagues … Maybe Tony can give us a little support there at the bottom [of the batting order].”
At 32, Kemp is one of the older Orioles and has played for Houston, the Chicago Cubs and Oakland.
“I think Tony’s able to blend in because he’s known around the league as a great teammate, and a really good guy,” Hyde said. “I think some guys knew him already. He’s fit right in.”