Orioles lineup and notes

Jordan Westburg stays in the lineup tonight at second base as the Orioles begin a three-game series against the Royals.

Ramón Urías is playing third base. Ryan O’Hearn is the designated hitter.

It’s Jorge Mateo’s turn to sit again.

Gunnar Henderson continues to sit atop the order. He recorded his 10^th career multi-walk game Sunday and first since July 7, 2023.

Henderson posted a 1.646 OPS against the Royals last season, and his three home runs tied Manny Machado for most by an Orioles rookie versus Kansas City, per STATS.

Dean Kremer will try to extend the rotation’s streak to four consecutive quality starts. He’s made only one career start against the Royals and allowed one earned run (two total) in five innings.

The Orioles have won Kremer’s last 10 home starts, the longest streak since Chris Tillman’s 13 in 2015-16.

The Orioles are attempting to win their first two series of a season for the first time since 2019.

Kansas City is starting veteran right-hander Michael Wacha, who signed a two-year, $32 million contract over the winter. Wacha has a career 5.19 ERA in 10 outings against the Orioles.

Ryan Mountcastle is 7-for-17 with a triple and two home runs against Wacha. Cedric Mullins is 8-for-18 with two doubles, a triple and two homers. Anthony Santander is 6-for-17 with a double and two homers. Urías is 5-for-12 with a double, triple and homer.

Adley Rutschman is 2-for-11 with a home run.

Former Orioles Jordan Lyles and Adam Frazier return to Camden Yards.

Bobby Witt Jr. has an 11-game hitting streak against the Orioles, tied for his longest career streak against any opponent. He’s done the same against the Red Sox.

The Royals avoided a series sweep against the Twins with Sunday’s 11-0 win at Kauffman Stadium. They lost two of three to the Orioles at home last season and were swept in a three-game series at Camden Yards.

The Orioles have won or tied the last six series, their longest active streak against any opponent. They averaged 7.3 runs per game against the Royals last season, their second-highest mark against any opponent (8.1 versus Athletics), according to STATS, and the second-highest ever against the Royals after 7.9 in 2002.

For the Orioles

Gunnar Henderson SS
Adley Rutschman C
Anthony Santander RF
Ryan Mountcastle 1B
Ryan O’Hearn DH
Austin Hays LF
Cedric Mullins CF
Jordan Westburg 2B
Ramón Urías 3B

Dean Kremer RHP