The infusion of top prospects in the Orioles’ roster is reflected in today’s lineup for the series finale in Houston.
Samuel Basallo is making his debut at designated hitter. He’s batting sixth.
Basallo is the 62nd player to appear in a game, tying the franchise record set in 2021.
Dylan Beavers is in left field after collecting his first major league hit last night.
Colton Cowser returned from the concussion injured list this morning and he’s in center field, one spot ahead of Basallo.
Jeremiah Jackson is in right. Adley Rutschman is catching.
Dean Kremer has shaved his ERA to 4.17 and his WHIP to 1.247 in 24 games (23 starts). He held the Mariners to one run in eight innings Tuesday night at Camden Yards.
Kremer has made four career starts against the Astros and gone 3-0 with a 1.82 ERA and 0.910 WHIP in 29 2/3 innings. He’s made one start in Houston and allowed one run in 7 2/3.
His finest moment came in Sept. 2022, when he tossed a four-hit shutout.
Jose Altuve is 7-for-14 with three doubles and a home run against Kremer. Jeremy Peña is 1-for-10.
Left-handers are hitting .190 against Kremer since the All-Star break after posting a .286 average in the first half.
Astros right-hander Cristian Javier returned from Tommy John surgery and made his season debut on Monday, allowing two runs in five innings against the Red Sox.
Javier has faced the Orioles six times in his career, including three starts, and allowed five runs in 22 2/3 innings. Gunnar Henderson is 1-for-8 with six strikeouts. Rutschman is 2-for-8 with a double and triple.
For the Orioles
Jackson Holliday 2B
Jordan Westburg 3B
Gunnar Henderson SS
Adley Rutschman C
Colton Cowser CF
Samuel Basallo DH
Coby Mayo 1B
Dylan Beavers LF
Jeremiah Jackson RF
Dean Kremer RHP
For the Astros
Jeremy Peña SS
Carlos Correa 3B
Jose Altuve 2B
Jesús Sánchez RF
Yainer Diaz DH
Victor Caratini C
Mauricio Dubón 1B
Jacob Melton CF
Taylor Trammell LF
Cristian Javier RHP