Mateo starting in center field today for Orioles

The Orioles will go for the sweep this afternoon with Jorge Mateo making his first start in center field in two years.

Austin Hays is on the bench again today. He must be one of the “bumps and bruises” guys from the trip to Toronto.

Mateo was a defensive substitution in center field last night. He hasn’t started since June 13, 2021 with the Padres.

Manager Brandon Hyde said yesterday that Mateo has worked out in center to improve the club’s depth with Cedric Mullins and Aaron Hicks on the injured list.

“Of course, I feel comfortable playing out there,” Mateo said via interpreter Brandon Quinones.

“I think that experience will help me just be confident. I feel comfortable playing out there because of my experience out there.”

Mateo’s versatility is getting him in the lineup, with Gunnar Henderson making another start at shortstop today and batting cleanup. Mateo is making his eighth start and 14^th appearance in center.

“I think the most important thing is to always be on the field, regardless of where that is,” Mateo said. “I think as long as you’re on the field, that’s what counts.”

Ryan McKenna is in left field and Anthony Santander is in right.

Adley Rutschman has recorded an RBI in five straight games since Aug. 1, the longest streak of his career. He’s leading off and serving as designated hitter.

Ryan Mountcastle, batting second, has an eight-game hitting streak that’s tied for his longest this season.

Kyle Bradish has registered quality starts in six of his last seven outings. He’s never faced the Mets.

Opponents have posted a .169 average and .263 slugging percentage against Bradish in Baltimore since the start of May, and a .254 average and .420 slugging percentage on the road.

The Orioles have won six of their last seven games and 10 of 14.

All nine starters reached base safely last night for the 14^th time this season, and for the first time in consecutive games since July 22-23, 2022 against the Yankees.

Left-hander José Quintana is making his fourth start. He’s allowed seven earned runs (eight total) and 18 hits in 17 2/3 innings.

The last two outings have been quality starts.

Quintana has a 3.74 ERA and 1.204 WHIP in nine career games (seven starts) against the Orioles. James McCann is 3-for-18 with a triple against him. Adam Frazier, who’s on the bench, is 3-for-16.

The Mets signed Quintana to a two-year, $26 million deal in December. He underwent surgery in March to treat a lesion on his ribcage.

For the Orioles
Adley Rutschman DH
Ryan Mountcastle 1B
Anthony Santander RF
Gunnar Henderson SS
Jordan Westburg 2B
Ramón Urías 3B
James McCann C
Ryan McKenna LF
Jorge Mateo CF

Kyle Bradish RHP

The Astros designated former Orioles pitcher Spenser Watkins for assignment this morning.

For the Mets
Jeff McNeil LF
Francisco Lindor SS
Pete Alonso 1B
DJ Stewart RF
Omar Narváez C
Mark Vientos 3B
Brett Baty DH
Danny Mendick 2B
Rafael Ortega CF

José Quintana LHP