Mateo in today's Orioles split-squad lineup vs. Phillies

SARASOTA, Fla. – Jorge Mateo is making his spring debut this afternoon by starting at shortstop against the Phillies in a split-squad game at Ed Smith Stadium.

Mateo has recovered from late-August reconstructive surgery on his left elbow. He’s engaged in full baseball activities and waited for clearance to play.

Today, it happens.

Gunnar Henderson remains out of the lineup with a strained right intercostal and his status is questionable for Opening Day. Mateo could be the replacement if Henderson goes on the injured list, but manager Brandon Hyde said a few days ago that it was "pretty doubtful" Mateo would be ready due to a lack of at-bats.

Mateo is batting seventh. Jordan Westburg is leading off and playing third base.

Adley Rutschman is catching, Tyler O’Neill is in right field and Ryan Mountcastle is the designated hitter.

Opening Day starter Zach Eflin gets the ball this afternoon.

Jackson Holliday is leading off and playing shortstop against the Tigers in Lakeland. Colton Cowser is in center field, Heston Kjerstad is in right and Samuel Basallo is the designated hitter.

Albert Suárez gets the start as he competes for the fifth spot in the rotation.

For the Orioles in Sarasota

Jordan Westburg 3B
Adley Rutschman C
Tyler O’Neill RF
Ryan Mountcastle DH
Ramón Laureano LF
Cedric Mullins CF
Jorge Mateo SS
Ryan O’Hearn 1B
Nick Gordon 2B

Zach Eflin RHP

For the Orioles in Lakeland

Jackson Holliday SS
Colton Cowser CF
Dylan Carlson LF
Heston Kjerstad RF
Samuel Basallo DH
Livan Soto 2B
Jeremiah Jackson 3B
Maverick Handley C
Creed Willems 1B

Albert Suárez RHP

Former Oriole Jack Flaherty starts for the Tigers

For the Tigers

Justyn-Henry Malloy LF
Riley Greene CF
Gleyber Torres 2B
Kerry Carpenter DH
Spencer Torkelson 1B
Javier Báez 3B
Trey Sweeney SS
Zach McKinstry RF
Jake Rogers C

Jack Flaherty RHP

Jesús Luzardo is starting for the Phillies.