O’Neill out with neck discomfort, Mateo in lineup for Orioles’ finale against Nationals

WASHINGTON—With left-hander MacKenzie Gore starting for the Nationals on Thursday night, Orioles manager Brandon Hyde has a unusual lineup with Jorge Mateo starting at second base, Ramón Laureano in right field and left-handers Ryan O’Hearn as designated hitter and Heston Kjerstad in left field.

The left-hand hitting Jackson Holliday isn’t in the lineup nor is Ramón Urias, who hits right-handed. Tyler O’Neill is out with neck discomfort. He missed two games with the same condition last week against Cleveland.

“I’m hoping he’s available off the bench,” Hyde said of O’Neill.

Mateo enters the game with an .059 average (1-for-17).

“Jorgie hasn’t played in a while, and I don’t want guys to feel stale on the bench with big spots,” Hyde said. “At least give guys some at-bats, keep them fresh. You never know. If you have two guys go down, you’re playing every day. It’s already tough enough not to have everyday at-bats. Jorgie has had good numbers against left-handed pitchers the last couple of years, and we’re going to give him an opportunity.”

Hyde said of Mateo’s role.

“It’s been frustrating for him,” Hyde said. “When he’s been on the roster and not been hurt, he’s played quite a bit the last three or four years here. He’s adapted really well to this bench role, trying to find some options for him to stay ready and not have guys get stale on the bench.”

Laureano is 5-for-6 with 3 RBIs against Gore.

Notes: Brandon Young, Charlie Morton and Dean Kremer are the scheduled starters this weekend in Detroit. Morton remains in the rotation with an 0-5 record and 10.89 ERA. “The options are a little limited right now. Charlie has got a lot of years in this league, and we’re going to give him another start,” Hyde said. … No decision has been made on Kyle Gibson’s next appearance.

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