Orioles lineup vs. Red Sox (Akin optioned)

BOSTON – Orioles manager Brandon Hyde waited until less than an hour before first pitch to post tonight’s lineup because he needed to check the availability of some players.

“We have a few things going on,” he said earlier today. “Waiting to kind of see how a few guys feel.”

Ramón Urías and Terrin Vavra are on the bench tonight.

Urías is trying to finish out the season despite the occasional spasms between his neck and right shoulder. He took ground balls this afternoon during batting practice.

“He is feeling better today than he did yesterday,” Hyde said.

Vavra experienced some cramping in his hamstring over the weekend. He played six innings yesterday.

Adley Rutschman is catching tonight despite the wrap on his lower right leg. Rutschman fouled a ball off the inside of his calf and has a deep bruise.

Austin Hays is in right field and Kyle Stowers is playing in front of the Green Monster.

Gunnar Henderson is starting at third base. He’s 0-for-13 with seven strikeouts in the last four games – striking out four times yesterday – and hitless in his last 16 at-bats.

“I think he’s done a great job so far,” Hyde said. “We just faced an outstanding pitching staff in Houston, and it doesn’t get much easier here with Boston. Every young player, every player, is going to have tough games, and I think he’s going to bounce back. He’s a tough kid and he’s going to deal with adversity fine, and I expect him to have a good series this series.”

Cam Gallagher made the trip on the taxi squad after the Orioles selected him off waivers from the Padres on Sept. 11. The Royals traded him a month earlier after drafting him in the second round in 2011.

Gallagher, 29, spent parts of six seasons with the Royals before going through a series of professional changes.

“It’s been a little hectic, to say the least, but I’m just taking it day by day and just trying to focus on what I can control. Just trying to roll with the punches a little bit,” he said.

“It’s been a learning experience, for sure. At the end of the day, it’s still the same game and I’m looking to contribute any way I can. I know I’m here for the taxi squad right now, but we’ll see. I’m just going to keep working and if my name gets called, I’ll be ready. And if not, I’ll still be ready.”

Gallagher grew up on Lancaster, Pa., as an Orioles and Phillies fan.

“They’re both about the same distance from my house,” he said. “I grew up watching Cal Ripken play. … It’s kind of cool to be back on the East Coast and around my family. They’re close by, so it’s good.”

Gallagher is hoping that he stays, but he’s learning how to make friends quickly.

“Being with Kansas City for 11 years, you get used to the same guys,” he said. “You learn something about yourself. You form relationships. But at the end of the day, it’s still the same game.

“Being here so far, everyone’s been really open, welcoming me in, and it’s been an easy transition so far. And I’m happy to be part of this organization.”

Gallagher provided some catching depth in the organization. He went 1-for-17 with a double for Triple-A Norfolk.

“I’ve seen him play with Kansas City,” Hyde said. “He does a nice job behind the plate. We usually bring a catcher on a road trip, so decided to take Cam with us. Anything can happen here down the stretch.”

The Red Sox listed Nick Pivetta as Thursday afternoon’s starter but switched to Nathan Eovaldi. The Orioles haven’t named their starter.

Mike Baumann would be working on normal rest after replacing Tyler Wells on Saturday.

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

Jordan Lyles RHP

Update: The Orioles optioned left-hander Keegan Akin to Triple-A Norfolk and recalled right-hander Logan Gillaspie, who was on the taxi squad.

The club says it's a tactical move with Akin rather than based on performance. The Orioles need a fresh arm and are planning for certain matchups down the road with series against the Red Sox, Yankees and Blue Jays.

Akin has a 3.40 ERA and 1.096 WHIP in 42 games. He was charged with three earned runs and four total yesterday in the 11th inning, retiring only one Astros batter. He has an 8.31 ERA this month in 8 2/3 innings.