Friday night Orioles game thread: at Indians, 7:10

If you’re one of the Orioles fans hoping Baltimore does everything they can to secure next year’s number one pick, you might be happy with tonight’s lineup. The Birds appear to be outmatched on both sides of the ball, and rain could be an issue in Cleveland. Still, the weekend is here and there’s baseball to be watched, so things could be a lot worse.

Cedric Mullins has catapulted into the leadoff spot for Baltimore and will handle center field. A 3-4-5 of Trey Mancini, Mark Trumbo and Chris Davis likely won’t strike fear into Cleveland starter Carlos Carrasco, but Mancini and Trumbo have held their own in the second half. Adam Jones will miss the game on the bereavement list. Joey Ricard will take right field for Jones, and Caleb Joseph will do the catching.

Orioles starter David Hess will look to get back on track against the Indians first-place lineup. Hess is searching for his first win since late May, while Carrasco looks to tie four other pitchers atop the MLB win list at 15. Let’s just say they have different goals.

You can check out a preview of the series here. Otherwise, enjoy the start of your weekend, and maybe the Orioles will surprise us all tonight!

For the Orioles

Cedric Mullins CF

Jonathan Villar 2B

Trey Mancini LF

Mark Trumbo DH

Chris Davis 1B

Renato Núñez 3B

Tim Beckham SS

Joey Rickard RF

Caleb Joseph C

David Hess RHP