SARASOTA, Fla. – Samuel Basallo is behind the plate and Coby Mayo gets another start at third base this afternoon, as the Orioles travel to Fort Myers to play the Twins.

Heston Kjerstad is serving as the designated hitter. Reed Trimble, Leody Taveras and Will Robertson are in the outfield.

Ryan Noda is playing first base, with most of the regulars staying back in Sarasota.

Albert Suárez makes his first spring training appearance and it comes as a starter.

The Orioles re-signed Suárez to a minor league contract, which reunited him with manager Craig Albernaz.

“It’s funny cause I caught Albert when he was a young prospect with the Rays when I was a catcher over there, so we have some history,” Albernaz said. “But that was when he was the up-and-coming stud with the Rays organization, so to see him now, just kind of the man he’s become, he can do that just because of the person he is. He’s also as physical as they come, too. Like, he’s built like you want to build a pitcher. But yeah, he’s going to be very valuable for us in whatever role that’s kind of open for him to do.

“That’s Albert, too. Like, he’s such a team guy where whatever you need from him, he’ll do.”

Chris Bassitt is throwing his first live batting practice later this morning.

Zach Eflin will have his first multiple ups in a live BP on Friday. He’s had a few one “inning” stints, increasing the number of batters faced.

Asked whether Eflin remains a possibility for the Opening Day roster after his August back surgery,” Albernaz said, “I think we’re just taking it one day at a time with Eflin.”

“I think it’s just, every time, the way he throws coming off the back injury, we want to make sure that each step is made. So not to look ahead to far ahead to Opening Day, but for me it’s just every time he touches the mound, let’s evaluate from there and see where he’s at.”

Infielder Thairo Estrada, signed to a minor league deal yesterday, could make his Orioles debut Friday against the Pirates in Bradenton.

“Just depending on getting our eyes on him and seeing him, because he wasn’t with a team. He was just kind of coming from his house,” Albernaz said. “So we want to make sure he’s built up and do right by him.”

Infielder Payton Eeles remains out after injuring his left shoulder Sunday in a collision with Enrique Bradfield Jr. in Lakeland.

“Status quo right now,” Albernaz said. “He’s just kind of going with our medical team, making sure he’s good to go. But it sounds like it’s the AC joint, from what I gather.”

For the Orioles

Leody Taveras CF
Samuel Basallo C
Jeremiah Jackson 2B
Coby Mayo 3B
Heston Kjerstad DH
Luis Vázquez SS
Ryan Noda 1B
Will Robertson RF
Reed Trimble LF

Albert Suárez RHP

For the Twins (split squad)

Byron Buxton CF
Kody Clemens 2B
Josh Bell 1B
Trevor Larnach LF
Victor Caratini C
James Outman RF
Gio Urshela DH
Orlando Arcia SS
Tristan Gray 3B

Andrew Morris RHP