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CLEVELAND – Austin Slater is leading off for the Orioles tonight in a right-handed version of their lineup.

Ryan Mountcastle is batting second. Eloy Jiménez makes his first start as the designated hitter. Coby Mayo is at third base.

Adley Rutschman is on the bench. Jackson Holliday stays at second base.

Zach Eflin makes his second Orioles start after allowing three runs and 10 hits in six innings against the Blue Jays in his debut. His only career start against the Guardians, on Aug. 13, 2023, was a struggle as he gave up six runs and nine hits in three innings. Andrés Giménez homered.

Eflin has never pitched at Progressive Field.

The Orioles and Yankees began the day tied for first place. The Orioles are 16-21 since June 21 and have lost 13 of their last 21 since July 9.

The Guardians originally listed Tanner Bibee as tonight’s starter before a knee injury caused them to switch to left-hander Joey Cantillo, a native of Hawaii who’s making his second major league appearance. He started Sunday in Philadelphia and allowed three runs and four hits with three walks. He logged three strikeouts and two home runs in 3 1/3 innings.

Cantillo, a 16th-round pick of the Padres in 2017 out of Kailua High School, has a career 3.03 ERA in seven minor league seasons and averages 11.8 strikeouts per nine innings. Home runs haven’t been an issue, with only 26 surrendered in 392 innings.

The Orioles are 16-13 against left-handed starters.

The Guardians have won four of five games against the Orioles and own the best record in baseball at 67-42.

For the Orioles

Austin Slater LF
Ryan Mountcastle 1B
Gunnar Henderson SS
Anthony Santander RF
Eloy Jiménez DH
Coby Mayo 3B
Colton Cowser CF
James McCann C
Jackson Holliday 2B

Zach Eflin RHP