Orioles lineup for today's game vs. Pirates, update on Bradish (plus Pirates lineup)

BRADENTON, Fla. – Cedric Mullins is in the lineup today for the first time since March 4, when he exited in the first inning with right hamstring discomfort.

Mullins is leading off. Gunnar Henderson is starting at shortstop and batting third.

Jorge Mateo is the second baseman. Kyle Stowers is in right field.

Tyler Nevin gets the start at first base.

Grayson Rodriguez is making his fourth start after allowing three runs and 10 hits in 7 1/3 innings. He’s walked five batters and struck out five.

Adley Rutschman is catching Rodriguez, who pitched in Bradenton March 3 and allowed one run and three hits in two innings.

Craig Kimbrel is listed as an available pitcher today. Nick Vespi and Jonathan Heasley also are on the trip.

These teams have met four times and the Orioles are 4-0. They’ll also play March 22 in Sarasota.

For the Orioles

Cedric Mullins CF
Adley Rutschman C
Gunnar Henderson SS
Anthony Santander DH
Austin Hays LF
Ramón Urías 3B
Jorge Mateo 2B
Tyler Nevin 1B
Kyle Stowers RF

Grayson Rodriguez RHP

The Pirates are starting left-hander Marco Gonzales. Lefty Aroldis Chapman also is slated to pitch.

Kyle Bradish said he threw 20 fastballs yesterday in his first spring bullpen session.

“Felt good. Happy to be back out there. It’s been a while,” Bradish said.

Next comes a few days’ rest and another session.

“See how that one goes,” Bradish said.

Asked if he’s more optimistic now that he’ll pitch in 2024 after being diagnosed in January with a sprained ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, Bradish replied, “I mean, I’ve been optimistic through this whole rehab and everything. It’s just another step in the right direction.

“We haven’t had any setbacks or anything like that. I’ve clicked every box and it’s just another step in the right direction.”

Bradish doesn’t know whether he’ll stay in Sarasota when the Orioles break camp.

* The Orioles are starting Tyler Wells Sunday in a split-squad game against the Braves in Sarasota and Julio Teheran against the Tigers in Lakeland.

Dean Kremer starts Friday against the Rays in Port Charlotte and Corbin Burnes starts Saturday against the Red Sox in Sarasota.

For the Pirates

Andrew McCutchen DH
Bryan Reynolds LF
Ke’Bryan Hayes 3B
Jack Suwinski CF
Connor Joe RF
Rowdy Tellez 1B
Henry Davis C
Nick Gonzales 2B
Alika Williams SS

Marco Gonzales LHP