The Orioles will utilize an opener and several bench bats in an effort to complete the sweep against a left-handed starter.
The Orioles are well aware of their struggles against left-handed pitchers, and Tony Mansolino is trying to shake things up.
Jordan Westburg is set to lead off, Ramón Urías will bat second, and Gunnar Henderson will slot in as the DH. Right-handed hitter Luis Vázquez will get his first start at shortstop with Jackson Holliday taking a seat. Gary Sánchez will step in for Adley Rutschman after homering yesterday, and Coby Mayo will return to first base after his first multi-hit game. Cleanup hitter Ramón Laureano and Dylan Carlson will join Cedric Mullins in the outfield.
Ryan Mountcastle remains on the injured list and unable to face left-handed starter Yusei Kikuchi. Kikuchi will carry a 2.92 ERA into the matchup.
The Orioles are switching things up on the other side as well. RHP Scott Blewett will serve as an opener before Cade Povich takes the ball.
Baltimore can take a step today by completing a sweep and winning a game that looks unfavorable on paper. Let’s see if Blewett and the bench bats can get it done.
Orioles lineup
- Jordan Westburg 2B
- Ramón Urías 3B
- Gunnar Henderson DH
- Ramón Laureano RF
- Gary Sánchez C
- Cedric Mullins CF
- Coby Mayo 1B
- Dylan Carlson LF
- Luis Vázquez SS
Starter: RHP Scott Blewett