The O’s look to stop their three-game slide in game two of a weekend set in Kansas City.
The early-season results have not been particularly impressive for these Orioles. They’ve lost three in a row and done so in rather uncompetitive fashion. You would think there’s nowhere to go but up from here. But they are playing the Royals, a franchise that has given the Orioles nothing but fits for the last 10+ years.
Tomoyuki Sugano will be on the bump for the Birds. His MLB debut last time out was a mixed bag that saw him struggle early, settle in, and then leave early with hand cramps. It seems that things weren’t too serious as he stayed on turn for this start. The Orioles need a solid outing from him.
The lineup will be without Adley Rutschman to start. It’s his first off day of the season, although he has DH’ed two previous times. That means Gary Sánchez will catch Sugano. The backup is still search for his first hit of the young season.
Gunnar Henderson is still atop the order, but will do so from the DH role in this one. It’s an easing back into things for the all-star shortstop. The Orioles want to be mindful of his recent injury and avoid re-aggravating it. Getting him off his feet a bit makes sense.
Moving Henderson to DH has the benefit of getting Ramón Urías back into the order. The utility infielder is off to a hot start to begin the season, batting .429 with a .976 OPS. Hopefully he can keep it going against Michael Wacha and the Royals.
Orioles lineup
- Gunnar Henderson, DH
- Jordan Westburg, 2B
- Cedric Mullins, CF
- Ryan Mountcastle, 1B
- Tyler O’Neill, RF
- Heston Kjerstad, LF
- Ramón Urías, 3B
- Gary Sánchez, C
- Jackson Holliday, SS
RHP Tomoyuki Sugano (0-1, 4.50 ERA)
Royals lineup
- Jonathan India, 3B
- Bobby Witt Jr., SS
- Vinnie Pasquantino, 1B
- Salvador Perez, C
- Michael Massey, DH
- Hunter Renfroe, RF
- MJ Melendez, LF
- Maikel Garcia, 2B
- Kyle Isbel, CF
RHP Michael Wacha (0-1, 2.25 ERA)