masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgThird baseman Maikel Franco is making his Orioles debut this afternoon, batting second against the Twins in Sarasota.
Franco played in yesterday’s intrasquad game and is ready to move up to the next spring level.
Richie Martin also is in the lineup, as expected. He’s playing second base in his debut while Yolmer Sánchez leads off and starts at shortstop.
Pat Valaika is the first baseman, Stevie Wilkerson is in right field and Ryan McKenna is in center.
Cedric Mullins, Austin Hays and…

Third baseman Maikel Franco is making his Orioles debut this afternoon, batting second against the Twins in Sarasota.

Franco played in yesterday’s intrasquad game and is ready to move up to the next spring level.

Richie Martin also is in the lineup, as expected. He’s playing second base in his debut while Yolmer Sánchez leads off and starts at shortstop.

Pat Valaika is the first baseman, Stevie Wilkerson is in right field and Ryan McKenna is in center.

Cedric Mullins, Austin Hays and Anthony Santander get a breather.

Thumbnail image for Lopez-Throws-White-Sidebar.jpgJorge López is making his second start and fifth appearance. He’s allowed one run and three hits in three relief outings over nine innings and struck out 11 batters.

The rotation is a possibility. The bullpen is the other option. He’s on the club.

López started March 1 against the Phillies and allowed two runs in five innings. Then he went streaking as a reliever with three outstanding performances in a row.

Orioles relievers today include Paul Fry, Tanner Scott, Cole Sulser and Eric Hanhold.

The Twins are starting left-hander J.A. Happ, who signed as a free agent in January and tossed two scoreless innings in his only spring appearance. He allowed a hit and walked two batters.

For the Orioles
Yolmer Sánchez SS
Maikel Franco 3B
Ryan Mountcastle LF
Pedro Severino C
Chance Sisco DH
Pat Valaika 1B
Richie Martin 2B
Stevie Wilkerson RF
Ryan McKenna CF

Jorge López RHP