Shepherd outrighted, Alberto leading off

Reliever Chandler Shepherd has cleared outright waivers and been assigned to the alternate camp site in Bowie.

The 60-man pool is holding 59 players.

The Orioles designated Shepherd for assignment on Sunday to create a roster spot for John Means, who was reinstated from the bereavement list.

Shepherd could have declined the assignment and become a free agent based on a previous designation.

Hanser Alberto returns to the leadoff spot for tonight's series opener against the Red Sox at Camden Yards. Chance Sisco is on the bench.

Dwight Smith Jr. is the designated hitter and Pat Valaika is in left field.

Chris Davis is out of the lineup.

Asher Wojciechowski is making his fifth career appearance against the Red Sox, a team he's handled quite well in the past. He's allowed two runs and 11 hits with 21 strikeouts in 19 2/3 innings.

In three starts last summer, Wojciechowski held the Red Sox to two runs in 17 2/3 innings and carried a no-hitter into the seventh on July 21.

Nathan Eovaldi faced the Orioles on opening day in Boston and held them to one run in six innings. He's posted a 5.93 ERA and 1.427 WHIP in five starts over 27 1/3 innings.

The 34 hits allowed are tied for first in the American League.

Eovaldi's season took a bad turn in his last outing at Yankee Stadium, when he allowed eight runs and nine hits in 5 1/3 innings. He also issued two of his five walks and surrendered three of his six home runs this summer.

Renato Núñez is 5-for-6 with two home runs against Eovaldi. Davis is 4-for-13 with two homers and six strikeouts.

For the Orioles
Hanser Alberto 2B
Anthony Santander RF
Renato Núñez 1B
Pedro Severino C
Rio Ruiz 3B
Pat Valaika LF
Dwight Smith Jr. DH
Cedric Mullins CF
Andrew Velazquez SS

Asher Wojciechowski RHP