Rivera at third base and McCann catching today (updated)

Emmanuel Rivera is playing third base today as the Orioles try for the series win against the Rays at Camden Yards.

James McCann is catching, with Adley Rutschman serving as designated hitter. Jackson Holliday is batting seventh.

Zach Eflin is facing his former team for the second time this season. He shut them out on four hits in seven innings on Aug. 9 at Tropicana Field.

Eflin has registered five quality starts in a row. He returned from the injured list Sunday and held the Rockies to one run and four hits with nine strikeouts in seven innings.

According to STATS, Eflin is the fifth pitcher to begin his Orioles career with five straight quality starts and the first since Ken Dixon had six in a row spanning the 1984-85 seasons. Only Dixon, Ross Grimsley (seven) and Pete Richert (six) extended their streaks past five starts.

Eflin averaged 7.12 strikeouts per nine innings with Tampa Bay this season but has increased that number to 9.46 with the Orioles.

The Orioles lead the Yankees by a half-game in the division race. They’re 9-2 against the Rays this season and their starters have registered a 2.11 ERA.

A win today would move the Orioles to 23 games above .500 for the first time since July 9. They’ve allowed five runs in five games this month.

Rays right-hander Ryan Pepiot has a 3.76 ERA and 1.124 WHIP in 21 starts. He’s struck out 114 batters in 107 2/3 innings.

Pepiot faced the Orioles on June 10 at Tropicana Field, his only career appearance against them, and he allowed four runs and nine hits while giving up no walks and recording nine strikeouts in six innings. Gunnar Henderson hit a leadoff home run and McCann also homered.

The Dodgers traded Pepiot and Jonny DeLuca to the Rays in December for Tyler Glasnow, Manuel Margot and cash considerations.

The Rays ranked second in the majors last season with a .285 average with runners in scoring position, behind only the Orioles, but are hitting .216 this season. That ranks last.

For the Orioles

Gunnar Henderson SS
Adley Rutschman DH
Ryan O’Hearn 1B
Anthony Santander RF
Colton Cowser LF
Cedric Mullins CF
Jackson Holliday 2B
Emmanuel Rivera 3B
James McCann C

Zach Eflin RHP

Note: Manager Brandon Hyde said a decision hasn't been made on reliever Jacob Webb.

Webb tossed a scoreless inning on nine pitches at Triple-A Norfolk and was charged with four runs in one-third of an inning at Double-A Bowie, leaving the game after 21 pitches. Two runs scored after his departure.