Norby in Orioles' lineup for series opener in Toronto (with note on Means' surgery)

The Orioles begin their four-game series in Toronto tonight with Connor Norby making his major league debut. Norby is playing second base and batting ninth.

Norby had his contract selected from Triple-A Norfolk earlier today. Second base won’t be occupied by Jorge Mateo until he’s reinstated from the seven-day concussion list.

Austin Hays is in left field, Colton Cowser is in center and Anthony Santander is in right. Ryan O’Hearn is the designated hitter.

Gunnar Henderson, in his usual leadoff role, is the third-youngest Orioles player to hit more than 50 home runs in his career behind Eddie Murray and Boog Powell.

The Orioles’ 6-1 record against the Blue Jays last season tied for their best in the series. They also won six of seven games in 1982.

The Orioles have won 11 of 15 games against the Blue Jays since 2023 while outscoring them 80-45. The plus-35 run differential is their best in a 15-game stretch against Toronto since July 2000-June 2001 (plus-42), according to STATS.

Also per STATS, the Orioles’ .405 pinch-hitting average leads the majors. They’ve gone 17-for-42.

The Blue Jays are fourth with a .313 average (10-for-32).

Bo Bichette has an 11-game hitting streak versus the Orioles, the longest active stretch in the majors against them, per STATS. He collected five hits in two games last month.

Blue Jays starter Kevin Gausman needs two more strikeouts to reach 500 with the Blue Jays.

For the Orioles

Gunnar Henderson SS
Adley Rutschman C
Ryan Mountcastle 1B
Ryan O’Hearn DH
Anthony Santander RF
Jordan Westburg 3B
Colton Cowser CF
Austin Hays LF
Connor Norby 2B

Grayson Rodriguez RHP

Steve Melewski is in Toronto and handling early notes and game coverage, and I’m joining the team in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Note: The Orioles announced that John Means underwent successful Tommy John surgery on his left elbow today at Trinity Park Surgery Center in Arlington, Texas. Dr. Keith Meister handled the procedure.

This is Means' second ulnar collateral ligament reconstructive surgery, the other in April 2022.

Means made four starts in September and four more this season before going on the injured list again with a left forearm strain.

The recovery time usually is 12-to-18 months. Means is a free agent after the 2024 season.

Still no updates on Tyler Wells' pending elbow surgery and whether it's also a Tommy John procedure.