BALTIMORE—For the first time since May 16th, Gunnar Henderson is leading off for the Orioles. Henderson, who’s in a 1-for-19 slump, is hitting .221 with a .701 OPS.
Taylor Ward, who’s been batting leadoff, is batting second as he’s done in 23 games.
Henderson is hitting .206 in 24 games as a leadoff hitter and .227 in 60 games as a No. 2 hitter.
“It breaks up the rhythm, the cadence, the routine,” manager Craig Albernaz said. “Obviously both those guys have hit in both of those spots this year and years past, so not a big change for them. Hopefully, kind of gets something going for us.”
After Sunday’s loss to the Nationals, Henderson spoke about his frustration.
“It’s just been, I don’t even know how to describe it,” he said. “Probably one of the most frustrating things I’ve ever been through. I mean, come in and work my butt off every day, and like you said, I mean, I know it’s not a — you don’t want to think about results, but it’s hard not to when crap doesn’t show up for so long.”
Albernaz also expressed his concern.
“Gunnar is, like we’ve talked about, just not getting the results he wants,” Albernaz said. “That’s it. I mean, he had great swings today … It’s just, nothing’s falling for him right now.”
Kremer might start Wednesday
The Orioles are listing their Wednesday starter as “TBD,” but it’s expected to be Dean Kremer, who’s been on the 60-day injured list with a strained right quadriceps muscle.
Albernaz would only say Kremer was one of the considerations for the Wednesday start.
“He’s here. He’s throwing a bullpen today,” Albernaz said. “Get some eyes on him, just kind of like we do with all of our rehab guys, where we kind of get them in and get our eyes on them, hands on them. It’s good to see Dean. He has a great tan.”
Kremer was 0-1 with a 4.09 ERA in two starts before he went on the IL, and he’s had two rehab starts with Triple-A Norfolk. On Friday night, Kremer allowed two hits in 6 2/3 innings with eight strikeouts.
“He threw extremely well,” Albernaz said. “Efficient, throwing a ton of strikes. With all of our starters, that’s when they’re at their best, throwing a ton of strikes. I love how the split … the way he’s been throwing it during these rehab outings as well.”
Note: Reliever Yaramil Hiraldo will begin a rehab assignment with High-A Frederick on Tuesday night. Hiraldo is on the 60-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation. He was scheduled to pitch for Double-A Chesapeake on Sunday, but the game was rained out.
Orioles-White Sox lineups
Orioles
Gunnar Henderson-SS
Taylor Ward-LF
Adley Rutschman-C
Pete Alonso-1B
Samuel Basallo-DH
Dylan Beavers-RF
Colton Cowser-CF
Blaze Alexander-3B
Jackson Holliday-2B
Shane Baz-RHP
White Sox
Sam Antonacci-LF
Miguel Vargas-3B
Colson Montgomery-SS
Kyle Teel-C
Randal Grichuk-DH
Braden Montgomery-RF
Tristan Peters-CF
Chase Meidroth-2B
Jacob Gonzalez-1B
Sean Burke-RHP
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