SARASOTA – Blaze Alexander is leading off and playing shortstop for this afternoon’s home game against the Cardinals.

Pete Alonso is the designated hitter and Ryan Mountcastle is at first base.

Heston Kjerstad is starting in right field, with Colton Cowser in center and Taylor Ward in left. Coby Mayo is the third baseman.

Chris Bassitt is making his second start after being charged with two runs and two hits in two innings against the Red Sox in Fort Myers.

Asked how far he’d like to stretch Bassitt’s pitch count today, manager Craig Albernaz said, “Whatever he’s comfortable with.”

“This is Year 10 for him and he’s had plenty of buildups in his career, so I trust whatever he feels is necessary. And same thing with (Drew French). Him and Frenchy have been in close communication with how the buildup should be, so whatever Bassitt feels like he needs.”

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

Chris Bassitt RHP

Albernaz isn’t ready to name his Opening Day starter. He also hasn’t committed to a five- or six-man rotation, saying everything is on the table.

He offered the same response about piggybacking starters.

For the Cardinals
Nathan Church CF
Iván Herrera C
José Fermin 2B
Jordan Walker RF
Jimmy Crooks DH
Nelson Velázquez LF
César Prieto 3B
Blaze Jordan 1B
Jeremy Rivas SS

Michael McGreevy RHP

Update: Outfielders Vance Honeycutt and Nate George made the trip from the minor league side. This is must-watch on MASN, with Honeycutt 4-for-4 with four home runs.

Listed pitchers behind Bassitt are Albert Suárez, Yennier Cano, Jean Carlos Henriquez and Josh Walker.