Friday night Orioles game thread: vs Rangers, 7:05

Zac Lowther stepped in last night and delivered five scoreless innings. Alexander Wells will attempt to make it two solid starts from the group of disappointing youngsters tonight.

The clock has not run out on either pitcher. Both Lowther and Wells still have opportunities to prove they can contribute at the major-league level, but neither have provided a strong indication that they are capable of doing so this season. For Wells, there is no better time than the present.

Wells will throw to Pedro Severino tonight, and it is fair to assume that his time in Baltimore could be running out. The catcher is arbitration eligible after this season and will likely not stick around as a defensive specialist.

Cedric Mullins has a firm spot in the Orioles future plans, and Austin Hays has played his way into consideration. They will be joined in the outfield tonight by Ryan McKenna. Anthony Santander will miss the game with a sore hamstring.

Rookie slugger Ryan Mountcastle will play first base tonight, and Trey Mancini will DH. Pat Valaika, Richie Martin and Kelvin Gutiérrez will round out the infield.

The Orioles will face off against Spencer Howard. The righty is 0-4 with a 6.86 ERA this season.

Recent additions Joey Krehbiel and Nick Ciuffo should be available off the bench.

Orioles Lineup:

1. Cedric Mullins CF
2. Ryan Mountcastle 1B
3. Austin Hays LF
4. Trey Mancini DH
5. Pedro Severino C
6. Ryan McKenna RF
7. Pat Valaika 2B
8. Richie Martin SS
9. Kelvin Gutiérrez 3B

Starter: LHP Alexander Wells