Taylor Ward will bat first and serve as the designated hitter today as the Orioles look to avoid a sweep in DC. Ward will be followed by shortstop Gunnar Henderson and first baseman Pete Alonso. Samuel Basallo will do the catching with Adley Rutschman starting the game on the bench.
Tyler O’Neill, Colton Cowser, and Leody Taveras will handle the outfield duties with Ward penciled in as the DH. Coby Mayo will play third, and Jeremiah Jackson will take second base against Nationals opener Richard Lovelady.
Miles Mikolas is expected to follow Lovelady.
Struggling teams look to their stars. With Rutschman on the bench, the Orioles need Henderson and Alonso to spark the offense today.
The Orioles will send out right-handed pitcher Brandon Young. Young was forced into the rotation after some early injuries, and the 27-year-old has an opportunity to cement his place with a few more strong outings.
Orioles lineup
- Taylor Ward DH
- Gunnar Henderson SS
- Pete Alonso 1B
- Tyler O’Neill RF
- Samuel Basallo C
- Leody Taveras CF
- Coby Mayo 3B
- Colton Cowser LF
- Jeremiah Jackson 2B
Starter: RHP Brandon Young
