Hays in Orioles lineup this afternoon in Minnesota

All-Star Austin Hays has returned to the Orioles lineup this afternoon for the first time since bruising his left hip Sunday against the Twins.

Hays is in left field and batting fifth.

Colton Cowser is in right field today, and Anthony Santander is the designated hitter.

Aaron Hicks returns to the lineup in center field after pinch-hitting last night in the 10^th inning and delivering a sacrifice fly in a 3-1 win. Cedric Mullins is on the bench.

Jordan Westburg also is out of the lineup, with Adam Frazier playing second base and Ramón Urías moving to third. Westburg’s .314 average is the highest for any Orioles infielder through 10 career games, according to STATS.

Gunnar Henderson, who’s leading off today and playing shortstop, ranks third at .306 last season.

Tyler Wells still leads the majors with a 0.902 WHIP in 98 2/3 innings. His ERA is down to 3.19 in 17 games.

Wells has allowed two earned runs in each of his last six starts. He’s 2-0 with a 1.88 ERA in four career games (two starts) against the Twins, his former organization.

Last night’s victory marked the eighth time this season that the Orioles won a game while held to five hits or fewer, most in the majors, according to STATS.

The Orioles trail the first-place Rays by only three games. Tampa Bay has lost six in a row.

The Blue Jays moved into third place and are four games behind the Orioles.

The Twins lead the Guardians by a half-game in the American League Central.

Sonny Gray has a 2.50 ERA and 1.260 WHIP in 17 starts, and he’s allowed only three home runs in 93 2/3 innings. He hasn’t surrendered more than three earned runs in any of his starts this year.

Gray blanked the Orioles on two hits over six innings, striking out seven batters, on Sunday at Camden Yards. He’s 6-5 with a 4.19 ERA and 1.296 WHIP against them in 13 career starts.

Hicks is 0-for-13 lifetime against Gray. Frazier is 2-for-16.

The Twins have won 12 of their last 14 home games against the Orioles.

For the Orioles
Gunnar Henderson SS
Adley Rutschman C
Anthony Santander DH
Ryan O’Hearn 1B
Austin Hays LF
Aaron Hicks CF
Colton Cowser RF
Ramón Urías 3B
Adam Frazier 2B

Tyler Wells RHP

For the Twins
Carlos Correa SS
Edouard Julien 2B
Byron Buxton DH
Donovan Solano 1B
Max Kepler RF
Ryan Jeffers C
Kyle Farmer 3B
Joey Gallo LF
Michael A. Taylor CF

Sonny Gray RHP