The choices were laid out again yesterday for Orioles manager Brandon Hyde.
A right-handed opposing starting pitcher and a roster with left-handed hitting outfielders Cedric Mullins, Colton Cowser and Heston Kjerstad, along with switch-hitter Anthony Santander. Ryan O’Hearn, also from the left side, capable of playing the corner outfield or first base or resuming his usual role as the designated hitter in this situation.
Kjerstad sat Friday night despite hitting a home run and finishing with three RBIs the previous game. Cowser broke a scoreless tie with his homer in the fourth off future Hall of Famer Max Scherzer. Hyde appeared to make the right call – unless Kjerstad would have hit two.
We’ll never know.
Last night’s lineup put Cowser in left field, Mullins in center, Santander in right and Kjerstad as the designated hitter. O’Hearn played first base and Ryan Mountcastle sat until called upon as a pinch-hitter.