Reliever Jacob Webb returned from paternity leave this morning following the birth of his daughter Hudson. Meanwhile, the Orioles sent left-hander Nick Vespi to Triple-A Norfolk.
The Orioles are set for their second game of the season this afternoon, with Gunnar Henderson leading off once again. Ryan O’Hearn will serve as the designated hitter, and Jordan Westburg will handle second base duties, while Ramón Urías remains at third base.
Grayson Rodriguez secured his spot as the No. 2 starter after spring training. In his 14 2/3 innings, he gave up five runs and 16 hits, along with eight walks and 10 strikeouts.
Looking back at his performances against the Angels last season, Rodriguez had mixed results. In one start at Camden Yards, he struggled, allowing eight runs and nine hits in just 3 1/3 innings, with Chad Wallach and Shohei Ohtani hitting home runs. However, in a rematch in Anaheim, he fared much better, surrendering only two runs and striking out seven batters in six innings, with Randal Grichuk homering.
The Angels will start right-hander Griffin Canning, who has struggled against the Orioles in the past, posting an 0-3 record with an 11.05 ERA and 2.318 WHIP over 14 2/3 innings.
Among the Orioles hitters, Austin Hays has had success against Canning, going 2-for-4 with a home run, while Tony Kemp has struggled, managing only one hit in 12 at-bats.
Before the game, Henderson and Adley Rutschman will be honored with Silver Slugger Awards. Rutschman becomes only the second Orioles catcher to win the award, following Mickey Tettleton in 1989.
The Orioles lineup for the game is as follows:
1. Gunnar Henderson (SS)
2. Adley Rutschman (C)
3. Anthony Santander (RF)
4. Ryan Mountcastle (1B)
5. Ryan O’Hearn (DH)
6. Austin Hays (LF)
7. Cedric Mullins (CF)
8. Jordan Westburg (2B)
9. Ramón Urías (3B)
Starting Pitcher: Grayson Rodriguez (RHP)
