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Who? Nobody could blame you if the name of tonight’s starter caught you off guard. The Orioles claimed Chris Ellis off waivers on August 20. The Tampa Bay Rays designated Ellis for assignment after just one appearance. That outing? Four scoreless innings against Baltimore last week.
The game will belong to the bullpen with Ellis serving as an opener. Baltimore recalled Conner Greene today after optioning Konner Wade. If traditional starting pitching is not working, no one can fault Brandon Hyde for trying something new (although the move likely comes out of necessity).
While Ellis makes his Orioles debut, the Birds will have a familiar face in center field. Cedric Mullin will start and bat leadoff for the Birds. He will be joined in the outfield by Anthony Santander and former first-round pick DJ Stewart. Fellow first-rounder Ryan Mountcastle will serve as the designated hitter.
Trey Mancini will take his spot at first base with newcomer Jahmai Jones playing second. Jones will look for better results after finishing 0-4 (3 K’s) in his first game as an Oriole.
Kelvin Gutiérrez and his cannon of an arm will take the hot corner, while Ramón Urías plays shortstop. Austin Wynns will catch Ellis.
The Orioles will face Shoei Ohtani tonight. The MVP candidate has taken the world by storm this season. He holds an 8-1 record, a 2.79 ERA and has hit 40 home runs so far this season. I cannot think of a better way for the Orioles to snap a losing streak than beating the most exciting player in baseball.
Orioles lineup:
- Cedric Mullins CF
- Ryan Mountcastle DH
- Trey Mancini 1B
- Anthony Santander RF
- DJ Stewart LF
- Ramón Urías SS
- Jahmai Jones 2B
- Kelvin Gutiérrez 3B
- Austin Wynns C
Starter: RHP Chris Ellis