Sunday afternoon Orioles game thread: vs. Rays, 1:05

After all that talk of a platoon, Austin Hays and DJ Stewart will both play today. Hays will take left, and Stewart will play right with Anthony Santander out of the lineup. Cedric Mullins will take his usual spot in center field.

Ryan Mountcastle will play first base with Trey Mancini sliding into the DH role. Jahmai Jones will play second, Jorge Mateo has short, and Kelvin Gutierrez will man the hot corner. That leaves Ramón Urías the odd man out in the infield today.

Spenser Watkins will take the mound in the series finale. Watkins got off to a hot start this season, but now holds a 7.07 ERA. His 4.98 FIP represents a slight improvement, but a 1.643 WHIP is difficult to hide. The righty has work to do if he hopes to be considered for a rotation spot beyond this season.

The Orioles will face righty Chris Archer. Never forget that the Pirates gave away Austin Meadows, Tyler Glasnow and prospect Shane Baz for Archer in 2018. The Pirates missed the playoffs, Archer is now back with the Rays, and Baz holds a 1.80 ERA and a 0.857 WHIP through eight starts at Triple-A this season.

Can Baltimore manage to pull out a second victory against the Rays this season? Hey, anything can happen.

Orioles lineup:

1. Cedric Mullins CF

2. Ryan Mountcastle 1B

3. Trey Mancini DH

4. DJ Stewart RF

5. Austin Hays LF

6. Jorge Mateo SS

7. Jahmai Jones 2B

8. Kelvin Gutierrez 3B

9. Austin Wynns C

Starting Pitcher : Spenser Watkins