Albernaz shakes up Orioles’ lineup, moves Henderson to 3rd; O’s-Cubs lineups

BALTIMORE—Manager Craig Albernaz is starting four left-handed batters against Matthew Boyd, the Chicago Cubs’ left-handed starter. Besides Gunnar Henderson, who’s batting third for the first time this season and starts no matter who’s pitching, Albernaz is also starting Samuel Basallo at designated hitter, Dylan Beavers in center field and Jackson Holliday at second base.

The only left-handed hitter on the bench is Colton Cowser.

The Orioles are 10-16 against left-handed starting pitchers and are hitting .227 against left-handed pitching. They’re hitting .234 against left-handed starters and .239 against right-handed starters.

“Us as a coaching staff, we’re just trying to obviously problem-solve hitting left-handed pitching and collectively this is the lineup that we felt gives us a shot,” Albernaz said.

Injury update on Akin, Helsley

Left-hander Keegan Akin, who’s on the 15-day injured list with left elbow discomfort, is seeking a second opinion and will be evaluated by Dr. Keith Meister in Arlington, Texas next week.

Right-hander Ryan Helsley, who’s on the 15-day injured list with right elbow discomfort, is also seeking a second opinion.

Right-hander Colin Selby, who’s on the 60-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation, is seeking a second opinion as well and will be evaluated by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles at the end of the month.

Albernaz on All-Star candidates

After catcher Adley Rutschman was named to the American League All-Star team, Albernaz said there were other deserving Orioles.

Albernaz said that relievers Yennier Cano, Rico Garcia, starters Kyle Bradish and Brandon Young, utility player Blaze Alexander, catcher Samuel Basallo, outfielder Taylor Ward and shortstop Gunnar Henderson each should receive consideration.

“There’s a lot of guys, and that’s why the All-Star Game is awesome,” Albernaz said. “It’s the best of the best that year, the Midsummer Classic and there are only a select few that can go.”

Raquet back

Albernaz thought it was important to have a second left-hander in the bullpen, and earlier on Tuesday, the Orioles recalled Nick Raquet from Triple-A Norfolk. He’ll pair with Grant Wolfram.

“We’re pumped to have Raquet back up here,” Albernaz said. “He’s throwing the ball extremely well at Triple-A. He gives us another lefty and another look.”

Notes: Right-handed starter Patrick Reilly, the Orioles’ No. 24 prospect who had Tommy John surgery last year, had his rehab transferred to High-A Frederick from the Florida Complex League. … Infielder Brandon Butterworth and right-hander Tyson Neighbors ended their rehab assignments with Frederick and returned to Double-A Chesapeake.

Orioles-Cubs lineups

Orioles

Taylor Ward-LF

Adley Rutschman-C

Gunnar Henderson-SS

Pete Alonso-1B

Coby Mayo-3B

Samuel Basallo-DH

Blaze Alexander-3B

Dylan Beavers-CF

Jackson Holliday-2B

Shane Baz-RHP

Cubs

Pete Crow-Armstrong-CF

Alex Bregman-3B

Michael Busch-1B

Seiya Suzuki-RF

Ian Happ-LF

Nico Hoerner-2B

Michael Conforto-DH

Dansby Swanson-SS

Miguel Amaya-C

Matthew Boyd-LHP

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