Hicks in center field, Akin pitching as opener

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

May 31, 2023, 11:50am

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Aaron Hicks is starting in center field this afternoon, as the Orioles try to clinch the series win over the Guardians.

Hicks is batting sixth.

Keegan Akin is the opener, with Austin Voth working in bulk relief. Twenty-three of Akin’s 24 career starts came in 2020-21.

Adam Frazier is leading off again today. He’s reached base in 20 of 23 games since May 6 and in 24 of 26 starts since April 26.

Ryan McKenna is in left field and batting ninth.

Anthony Santander is hitting .344/.432/.625 (33-for-96) in May compared to .213/.280/.362 (20-for-94) in March/April.

The Orioles trail the first-place Rays by three games in the division. The Yankees, winners of four in a row, are two behind the Orioles.

The Orioles are 11-4 against the American League Central.

Right-hander Shane Bieber has a 3.04 ERA and 1.225 WHIP in 11 starts, with only seven home runs surrendered in 71 innings. He’s averaging 2.4 walks and 6.2 strikeouts per nine innings.

Bieber, celebrating his 28^th birthday today, has registered nine quality starts. He’s 3-1 with a 1.45 ERA and 0.645 WHIP in four career starts against the Orioles and has struck out 48 batters in 31 innings.

Ryan O’Hearn is 5-for-16 with a double and home run against Bieber, and he’s in right field today. Hicks is 1-for-8 with a home run.

For the Orioles
Adam Frazier 2B
Adley Rutschman C
Anthony Santander DH
Ryan Mountcastle 1B
Gunnar Henderson 3B
Aaron Hicks CF
Ryan O’Hearn RF
Jorge Mateo SS
Ryan McKenna LF

Keegan Akin LHP