SARASOTA, Fla. – Taylor Ward is leading off this afternoon and making his Orioles exhibition debut against the Pirates at Ed Smith Stadium.

Gunnar Henderson led off yesterday in a 2-0 win over the Yankees.

Don’t read too much into any of it.

Adley Rutschman is catching and Ryan Mountcastle is playing first base. Henderson is the designated hitter.

Blaze Alexander makes his debut as the cleanup hitter and second baseman. Weston Wilson is playing third base.

Dean Kremer makes the start and Tyler Wells will enter the game later.

Shane Boz is getting two ups today in live batting practice, and Zach Eflin is getting one.

For the Orioles

Taylor Ward LF
Adley Rutschman C
Ryan Mountcastle 1B
Blaze Alexander 2B
Gunnar Henderson DH
Dylan Beavers RF
Leody Taveras CF
Weston Wilson 3B
Luis Vázquez SS

Dean Kremer RHP

Former Oriole Ryan O’Hearn is starting in right field for the Pirates.

For the Pirates

Oneil Cruz CF
Nick Gonzales SS
Ryan O’Hearn RF
Joey Bart DH
Jared Triolo 3B
Enmanuel Valdez 1B
Nick Yorke 2B
Endy Rodríguez C
Billy Cook LF

Wilber Dotel RHP