Adley Rutschman and Dylan Beavers will both return to the field this afternoon as the Orioles look to win the series against Washington. Baltimore activated Rutschman and Beavers earlier today. They optioned Jeremiah Jackson to Triple-A Norfolk and designated Sam Huff for assignment.
Rutschman missed over a week after taking a ball to the head, and Beavers had been on the shelf since suffering a strained oblique on May 11. Their presence should provide some additional credibility to the middle of
the order. Rutschman will bat third, while Beavers will bat sixth and play right field.
Jackson appeared in 66 games this season. Originally labeled as a utility player, the 26-year-old made almost all of his starts at second base. The righty provided crucial depth to the Orioles after they lost Jordan Westburg and Jackson Holliday at the beginning of the year. He holds a .251/.267/.397 slash line with seven homers and 32 RBIs. It’s easy to picture Jackson returning and contributing again at some point this year.
The Orioles decided to keep Chadwick Tromp on the active roster over Huff. It remains to be seen how long the club will be willing to carry three catchers. Samuel Basallo will slide to first base this afternoon.
Taylor Ward will leadoff and play left field. He’ll be joined in the outfield by Beavers and Colton Cowser. Pete Alonso will serve as the designated hitter. Coby Mayo will play third, Gunnar Henderson will take short, and Holliday will handle second base.
Kyle Bradish will start the rubber match for Baltimore. The righty kept LA off the board for eight innings his last time out.
Washington will start RHP Zack Littell. Littell is 6-6 but holds a 5.40 ERA through 16 appearances (11 starts).
Orioles lineup
- Taylor Ward LF
- Gunnar Henderson SS
- Adley Rutschman C
- Pete Alonso DH
- Samuel Basallo 1B
- Dylan Beavers RF
- Coby Mayo 3B
- Colton Cowser CF
- Jackson Holliday 2B
Starter: RHP Kyle Bradish
