Wednesday spring training Orioles game thread: vs. Astros, 1:05

After a World Baseball Classic exhibition against Team Netherlands yesterday, the Orioles return to their Grapefruit League schedule with their first spring matchup against the Astros. It’s not exactly a recognizable lineup for Houston, whose batting order includes names like Joseph Sullivan, Lucas Spence, Colin Briggs, Ethan Frey, and Riley Unroe. (Once again, I have made up one of those names. Can you guess which one?)

Shane Baz will make his second start for the Orioles after working 2.1 scoreless, hitless innings with four strikeouts in his debut. The O’s will hope to play better defense today after committing four errors against the Netherlands, but with Coby Mayo at third base and Heston Kjerstad in right field, that might be easier said than done. Blaze Alexander starts at short in place of Gunnar Henderson, who has joined Team USA for the WBC. Tyler O’Neill has also left for the WBC, playing for Team Canada, opening up some outfield at-bats for Kjerstad and others for a while.

Orioles lineup:

CF Colton Cowser
LF Taylor Ward
C Adley Rutschman
1B Ryan Mountcastle
DH Pete Alonso
SS Blaze Alexander
RF Heston Kjerstad
3B Coby Mayo
2B Thairo Estrada

RHP Shane Baz