Orioles sign Cowser, tonight's lineups (updated)

The Orioles signed outfielder Colton Cowser, their first-round selection in the draft out of Sam Houston State.

Cowser received a $4.9 million bonus. The slot value with the fifth pick is $6,180,700.

Cowser was in the Baltimore area for his physical, with an announcement of his signing expected over the weekend. He joins infielder Connor Norby, the second-rounder out of East Carolina University, as Orioles draft selections under contract in the last two days.

With Cowser and Norby signing underslot, the Orioles saved about $1.4 million to use in negotiations with other picks.

Players who sign could report to the Florida Complex League, where the Orioles have two teams. College selections have a better chance of moving up to Single-A Delmarva.

Meanwhile, the Orioles continue their series in Kansas City with DJ Stewart batting cleanup and playing left field.

Anthony Santander is in right field and Ryan Mountcastle is the designated hitter. Austin Hays is on the bench.

Domingo Leyba is the third baseman.

Jorge López was reinstated from the bereavement list and makes tonight's start.

For the Orioles
Cedric Mullins CF
Trey Mancini 1B
Ryan Mountcastle DH
DJ Stewart LF
Anthony Santander RF
Ramón Urías SS
Domingo Leyba 3B
Pedro Severino C
Pat Valaika 2B

Jorge López RHP

For the Royals
Whit Merrifield 2B
Carlos Santana 1B
Salvador Perez C
Andrew Benintendi LF
Hunter Dozier 3B
Jorge Soler DH
Ryan O'Hearn RF
Michael A. Taylor CF
Nicky Lopez SS

Brady Singer RHP

Matt Harvey is starting Sunday. The Royals are starting Carlos Hernández.

Kevin Smith is starting tonight for Triple-A Norfolk and Grayson Rodriguez for Double-A Bowie.

Update: Spenser Watkins and John Means are starting the first two games of the Rays series. Wednesday afternoon is TBD, with manager Brandon Hyde saying Keegan Akin is a possibility.

Left-hander Bruce Zimmermann isn't expected back until early-to-mid August.

Hyde was asked about the Cowser signing.

"That's great that we got him signed up and joined the organization," Hyde said. "Congratulations to him and to Mike (Elias) and the rest of our front office, scouting department for the pick and the draft and getting him signed right away. I think it's fantastic.

"Get the guy in our organization, get him with our coaches and our player development staff to get guys moving and get guys started on their development. So, it's very important to get first-round picks signed, and it's even better when you get them signed right away. Excited to see what he can do."