Henderson leading off in today's Orioles lineup (updated)

The Orioles will attempt today to avoid being swept in a three-game series, which hasn’t happened since May 13-15, 2022 in Detroit.

Gunnar Henderson is leading off and playing third base. Cedric Mullins has been lowered to fifth in the order against Twins right-hander Sonny Gray after going 4-for-24 since his reinstatement from the injured list.

Austin Hays is the cleanup hitter today. Ramón Urías gets the start at first base.

Jordan Westburg is playing second base instead of Adam Frazier in the infield carousel. Adley Rutschman is serving as designated hitter.

Ryan O’Hearn has been batting cleanup against right-handers, but he’s 2-for-23 on the homestand. Aaron Hicks is 2-for-24 in his last eight games.

Left-hander Cole Irvin is making his seventh start and ninth appearance with the Orioles and is trying to lower a 7.18 ERA and 1.671 WHIP. He’s started once against the Twins in his career and allowed one run in 6 2/3 innings.

Carlos Correa is 3-for-10 with a double and home run against him.

Sonny Gray has made 16 starts for the Twins and posted a 2.67 ERA in 87 2/3 innings. He’s surrendered only three home runs, but two have come in his last two outings. All three were hit last month.

Gray is 6-5 with a 4.60 ERA and 1.340 WHIP in 12 career starts against the Orioles. Adam Frazier is 2-for-16 against him, and Hicks is 0-for-11. Anthony Santander is 1-for-5 with a home run.

The splits in Gray's career are a slight reverse, with a .671 OPS against right-handers and a .644 OPS versus left-handers.

The Twins are 27-8 against the Orioles since 2017.

For the Orioles
Gunnar Henderson 3B
Adley Rutschman DH
Anthony Santander RF
Austin Hays LF
Cedric Mullins CF
Ramón Urías 1B
Jordan Westburg 2B
Jorge Mateo SS
Anthony Bemboom C

Cole Irvin LHP

Update: Manager Brandon Hyde explained why Mullins moved down in the order.

"I talked to him after the game yesterday," Hyde said. "It's more of just kind of getting him to feel a little more comfortable right now. I think sometimes you want to let a guy watch a few at-bats before you lead off the game. He had a handful of at-bats before he got here. Just kind of feeling for things a little bit right now. He's not totally locked in. So, just kind of mixing it up for him a little bit."

Hyde said Gray's splits didn't factor into the lineup. He wanted to play Mateo and Westburg today and felt Urías was a good matchup.

For the Twins

Carlos Correa SS
Donovan Solano 1B
Byron Buxton DH
Kyle Farmer 2B
Willi Castro LF
Ryan Jeffers C
Jose Miranda 3B
Michael A. Taylor CF
Alex Kiriloff RF