BALTIMORE -- Jorge Mateo was in the Orioles’ starting lineup against the Mets on Sunday afternoon at Camden Yards. But instead of taking his usual spot at shortstop, Mateo played center field for the second time this season.

Mateo was Baltimore’s Opening Day shortstop, and he won a Fielding Bible Award there after last season. But he lost playing time when the Orioles decided to give top prospect Gunnar Henderson regular reps at the position, then called up Jordan Westburg from Triple-A Norfolk on June 26 to be part of the infield equation. Mateo has made 76 starts at shortstop this season but only 12 since the beginning of July.

The Orioles have a need in center field with Cedric Mullins on the injured list with a right adductor groin strain. Mateo said he feels comfortable there. He has played the position 13 times during his Major League career, and he worked out there over the past three days before entering Saturday night’s game in center in the eighth inning.

“I think the most important thing is to be on the field, regardless where that is. As long as you are on the field, that’s where it counts,” Mateo said through interpreter Brandon Quinones.

Mateo has been inconsistent with the bat. Since going 23-for-69 (.333) during April, Mateo is batting .158 (29-for-184).

Manager Brandon Hyde hopes that Mateo can finish the season strong. When he gets on base, Mateo’s speed plays; he’s in the Majors’ 99th percentile in sprint speed at 30.1 feet per second.

“He has been a total pro about everything,” Hyde said. “We did some work with him in the outfield during Spring Training in case this was going to happen this year -- create some versatility, flexibility with our roster, knowing there were going to be stretches where we were going to have some guys that are banged up and need days off.”