masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgThe Orioles will attempt to win their third game in a row tonight, weather permitting, with Jahmai Jones staying at second base and Ramón Urías at shortstop while Jorge Mateo is day-to-day with soreness in his lower back.
Manager Brandon Hyde said Mateo is feeling better and could be available in an emergency. Hyde hopes Mateo will return to the lineup in another day or two.
Pedro Severino is catching after driving in a career-high six runs yesterday.
Ryan Mountcastle is the first…

The Orioles will attempt to win their third game in a row tonight, weather permitting, with Jahmai Jones staying at second base and Ramón Urías at shortstop while Jorge Mateo is day-to-day with soreness in his lower back.

Manager Brandon Hyde said Mateo is feeling better and could be available in an emergency. Hyde hopes Mateo will return to the lineup in another day or two.

Pedro Severino is catching after driving in a career-high six runs yesterday.

Ryan Mountcastle is the first baseman. He’s reached base in a career-high 17 consecutive games.

Matt Harvey has allowed 14 runs and 23 hits in four starts this month over 19 innings. He’s faced the Rays twice this season and gone 0-2 with 11 runs and 12 hits allowed in 6 1/3 innings.

Kevin Kiermaier and Brandon Lowe homered off Harvey in an Aug. 16 start at Tropicana Field.

Hays-Swings-White-Sidebar.jpgAustin Hays is back in the lineup with the Rays starting left-hander Shane McClanahan, a Baltimore native who’s 3-0 with a 2.65 ERA and 1.000 WHIP in three starts against the Orioles this summer. He’s allowed five runs and 14 hits with three walks and 23 strikeouts in 17 innings.

Right-handed hitters are batting .238/.302/.393 against McClanahan, who’s offering reverse splits, and left-handers are batting .284/.333/.403.

Cedric Mullins is 3-for-9 with a home run against him.

Nineteen of Lowe’s 76 RBIs have come against the Orioles. Randy Arozarena is 23-for-49 (.469) with four doubles, seven home runs and 16 RBIs in 11 games against the Orioles this summer. Manuel Margot is 13-for-38 (.342).

The Rays have won four games in a row, putting them a season-high 31 above .500, and eight of nine. They’ve won 26 of 37 since the All-Star break.

The Orioles are 1-15 against the Rays, including 0-6 at home.

For the Orioles
Cedric Mullins CF
Ryan Mountcastle 1B
Trey Mancini DH
Anthony Santander RF
Austin Hays LF
Ramón Urías SS
Pedro Severino C
Jahmai Jones 2B
Kelvin Gutiérrez 3B

Matt Harvey RHP

For the Rays
Brandon Lowe 2B
Nelson Cruz DH
Wander Franco SS
Austin Meadows LF
Yandy Díaz 1B
Joey Wendle 3B
Manuel Margot RF
Kevin Kiermaier CF
Mike Zunino C

Shane McClanahan LHP

Third baseman Maikel Franco cleared waivers and was granted his release. The Orioles designated Franco for assignment on Monday after he batted .210/.253/.355 slash with 22 doubles,11 home runs and 47 RBIs in 104 games.

Reliever Hunter Harvey remains with Triple-A Norfolk on his injury rehab assignment.

Hector Lopez, 19, tossed five scoreless innings today with one hit allowed, no walks and three strikeouts for the Rookie-level Florida Complex League Black team. He’s appeared in 10 games this season, nine with the Orange team, and posted a 1.33 ERA in 20 1/3 innings.

The Orioles signed Lopez in December 2018.