Orioles and Guardians lineups (and notes)

CLEVELAND - The Orioles leave Houston after winning two of three games against the team with the best record in the American League, and now they play three games in Cleveland against the leaders in the Central Division.

Yesterday’s off-day actually cost the Orioles a half-game in the wild card race. They’re two behind the Blue Jays for the last spot.

The Guardians won two of three games from the Orioles at Camden Yards on June 3-5. They’ve lost six of their last 11.

Right-hander Cal Quantrill is 10-5 with a 3.59 ERA and 1.203 WHIP in 24 starts. He’s walked 38 batters and struck out 94 in 143 innings.

Quantrill is having his best month in August, going 3-0 with a 2.25 ERA and 0.781 WHIP in five starts. He’s tossed six, seven and seven scoreless innings in three of his last four outings, holding the Blue Jays to one hit in seven frames on Aug. 12.

The Orioles have faced Quantrill three times in his career. He’s allowed seven earned runs (nine total) and nine hits in six innings.

Ramón Urías is batting cleanup tonight. Kyle Stowers follows him in the order and is playing left field, with Austin Hays in right.

Ryan Mountcastle is lowered to seventh in the order for the first time this season. He slashed .195/.242/.299 with six walks and 23 strikeouts in 23 games in July, and he’s batting .202/.276/.362 with nine walks and 28 strikeouts this month.

Spenser Watkins has allowed one earned run or fewer in six of 10 starts since coming off the injured list. He’s never faced the Guardians.

The rotation has strung together a season-high five consecutive quality starts.

The group has completed six innings in the last five games for the first time since June 5-9, 2019. Orioles starters haven’t done it in six straight since August 2016.  

For the Orioles
Cedric Mullins CF
Adley Rutschman C
Anthony Santander DH
Ramón Urías 3B
Kyle Stowers LF
Austin Hays RF
Ryan Mountcastle 1B
Rougned Odor 2B
Jorge Mateo SS

Spenser Watkins RHP

For the Guardians
Steven Kwan LF
Amed Rosario SS
José Ramírez 3B
Josh Naylor 1B
Oscar González RF
Andrés Giménez 2B
Owen Miller DH
Austin Hedges C
Will Benson CF

Cal Quantrill RHP