Orioles lineup and Pérez update at rainy Camden Yards (6:05 p.m. start)

The Orioles will attempt today to win back-to-back series before embarking on their first road trip of the young season.

They’re at the mercy of the weather. Rain continues to fall at Camden Yards and manager Brandon Hyde said the club is in “wait-and-see” mode.

Asked what he’s hearing about a window, Hyde said, “That they close, also.”

“It doesn’t look great,” he said.

Jorge Mateo is starting in center field today. Jordan Westburg is in the lineup for the sixth consecutive game, moving up to fifth in the order.

Ramón Urías is the third baseman. James McCann is catching, with Adley Rutschman serving as designated hitter.

Corbin Burnes is on the mound after his Opening Day gem, when he held the Angels to one run and one hit in six innings, with one walk and 11 strikeouts. He’s made three career starts against the Royals and allowed two runs and eight hits with 25 strikeouts in 18 innings.

The Orioles went 12-8 in rubber games in 2023.

Kansas City’s starter on Opening Day, left-hander Cole Ragans, allowed two runs and struck out nine batters in six innings against the Twins.

Ragans has made two career appearances against the Orioles, both in relief, and allowed one run and one hit with four walks in 2 2/3 innings. He took the loss with the Rangers on May 28, 2023 at Camden Yards after being charged with the tie-breaking run in the eighth.

For the Orioles

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

Corbin Burnes RHP

Reliever Cionel Pérez is encouraged by his progress from a strained right oblique.

“I already feel a lot better,” he said via interpreter Brandon Quinones. “Thankfully, the treatments are working well and the doctors are really pleased with the way I’ve been able to recover. I’m already able to move a lot better, mobility’s a lot better. And the hope is that in a few days I’ll start throwing again.”

Pérez felt the discomfort Saturday while warming in the bullpen.

“At first I thought it was some back tightness a little bit,” he said. “I never experienced that sensation before. And then, obviously, I came in the game and then my last two pitches is when it really locked up on me.

“I think it’s important and it’s good to be able to catch those injuries before they turn into something worse. I’m happy that that was the case this time, and we’re working to be able to get back on the field as soon as possible.”

Hyde doesn’t know whether Pérez will go on a rehab assignment. Depends how long he’s out.

A return to the active roster is to be determined.

“I know he’s feeling better,” Hyde said. “He’s probably going to have some sort of small throwing progression. We’ll see where that takes us and see where we are in the calendar for him.”

The Pirates are starting right-hander Jared Jones and left-handers Bailey Falter and Marco Gonzalez in the series in Pittsburgh that begins Friday afternoon.