Beyond the positions of a handful of players, there were few surprises in the Orioles’ lineup for Friday’s season opener against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Facing Baltimore-born left-hander Shane McClanahan, center field Cedric Mullins began the year in the leadoff spot he occupied for all of his 149 starts during his 30-30 season. After setting the franchise’s rookie home run record in 2021, first baseman Ryan Mountcastle was listed second, with designated hitter Trey Mancini behind him.

Outfielders Austin Hays and Anthony Santander were next, respectively, in the lineup, with Orioles manager Brandon Hyde putting Hays in right and Santander in left — the opposite of what was expected.

Most of the uncertainty about Hyde’s starting lineup centered on the infield combination, and opposite McClanahan, he went with three right-handed bats. Second baseman Ramón Urías hits sixth, shortstop Jorge Mateo will bat seventh and third baseman Kelvin Gutiérrez was in the ninth spot. Making his Orioles debut, Robinson Chirinos, eighth in the order, will catch left-hander John Means, making his second straight season-opening start for the Orioles.

Infielders Rougned Odor and Chris Owings, outfielders DJ Stewart and Ryan McKenna, and catcher Anthony Bemboom are available off Hyde’s bench. Gutiérrez, McKenna and Bemboom are among eight Orioles on their first opening day roster. Like Chirinos, Odor, Owings and Bemboom have yet to appear in a game for Baltimore after signing as free agents between seasons.

Orioles opening day lineup:

Behind starting pitcher John Means

1. Cedric Mullins, CF

2. Ryan Mountcastle, 1B

3. Trey Mancini, DH

4. Austin Hays, RF

5. Anthony Santander, LF

6. Ramón Urías, 2B

7. Jorge Mateo, SS

8. Robinson Chirinos, C

9. Kelvin Gutiérrez, 3B

This article will be updated.

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