Friday night Orioles game thread: vs. Royals, 8:05

While it’s easy to hope the Orioles “earn” the number one pick in the 2019 MLB draft, it’s another thing to actively root against the team sporting the Orioles logo. Baltimore will play to win the game tonight in Kansas City, but a Royals victory may benefit the club more in the long run.

Andrew Cashner will take the mound for Baltimore tonight. Cashner picked up his 12th loss of the season against the Yankees his last time out. He labored through seven innings of four-run ball, and allowed nine hits while striking out four. Cashner has made it through seven innings in three of his last four starts, and could very easily work deep into the game tonight.

Cedric Mullins is back in center field and atop the Orioles lineup. He’ll be joined in the outfield by Joey Rickard. RIckard was recalled from Norfolk and will start in left field. To make room for Rickard, Craig Gentry was designated for assignment. Gentry could have added depth to a contending team in September, but obviously Baltimore could not find a trade partner.

Mancini will be the designated hitter in the three hole, while Chris Davis plays first and bats fifth. Caleb Joseph will catch Cashner.

Brad Keller gets the nod for Kansas City. The righty is currently 6-5 with a 3.33 ERA in 15 starts. Keller, a rookie this season, has also worked out of the bullpen. Keller has not faced the Orioles before tonight.

Who are you pulling for this evening? Let us know below. If rooting against the Orioles doesn’t feel right, you can always flip over to the US Open and watch Serena and Venus Williams battle it out. Cedric Mullins might do something cool though...

Also, you can read Tyler Young’s preview of the series here.

For the Orioles

Cedric Mullins CF

Jonathan Villar 2B

Trey Mancini DH

Adam Jones RF

Chris Davis 1B

Tim Beckham SS

Renato Núñez 3B

Joey Rickard LF

Caleb Joseph C

Andrew Cashner RHP