Grayson Rodriguez will look to tame a red-hot Yankee lineup in the first of a four game series at Camden Yards.
The Orioles will begin tonight’s game with a bad taste in their mouth after dropping two of three over the weekend. It’s difficult to label any April series as pivotal, but all the games count the same. Baltimore enters the four-game set one back of the Yankees in the AL East. Our team captain Mark Brown previewed the series in detail earlier this morning.
Grayson Rodriguez will take the ball hoping to work deep into the contest. The Yankees scored 15 runs in their last two games, so Baltimore’s jaded bullpen could be taken to task once again. Rodriguez struggled his last time out, but both sides could be due for a reversal of fortunes.
Cionel Pérez will return to the active roster tonight. The Orioles reinstated Pérez from the 15-day injured list and optioned Dillon Tate. The Orioles elected to option Tate—one of their only pitchers with options remaining—instead of parting ways with Yohan Ramirez or Mike Baumann. Craig Kimbrel is day-to-day with back tightness.
Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman will get the party started on offense. Ryan O’Hearn will DH and bat third against right-hander Clarke Schmidt. Schmidt enters the game 2-0 with a 3.55 ERA over five games.
Anthony Santander will play right field with Ryan Mountcastle following at first base. Cedric Mullins will take his normal spot in center, while Jordan Westburg follows at second base. Colton Cowser and Ramón Urías will complete the lineup while playing the left side of the field.
The Orioles have the guns to compete against a lineup that tallied 36 runs in its last three games. They’ll need to battle these guys all year, and the reigning AL East champs should have the confidence to do so.
- Gunnar Henderson SS
- Adley Rutschman C
- Ryan O’Hearn DH
- Anthony Santander RF
- Ryan Mountcastle 1B
- Cedric Mullins CF
- Jordan Westburg 2B
- Colton Cowser LF
- Ramón Urías 3B
Starter: RHP Grayson Rodriguez