Leftovers for breakfast

Leftovers for breakfast
The double play combination of shortstop Richie Martin and second baseman Jorge Mateo resurfaced last night at Camden Yards after a brief interruption. Martin was on the bench for the series opener, but Ramón Urías slid over to third base last night. Getting comfortable with a new middle infielder is a process, but Martin said it's gone smoothly. Not by accident, of course. They take ground balls and throws prior to batting practice. "He's super talented and super athletic and it's...
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Updates on Zimmermann, Wells, Mountcastle, Kremer

Updates on Zimmermann, Wells, Mountcastle, Kremer
The Orioles are going to adjust their rotation again by early next week. Whenever left-hander Bruce Zimmermann is deemed ready to start again. Zimmermann tossed five hitless innings last night at Triple-A Norfolk in his third injury rehab game and second with the Tides. The Orioles wanted to stretch him out a little more before reinstating him from the injured list. "We're seeing how he recovers today and probably make that decision in the next day or two," said manager Brandon Hyde. Asked...
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Scott returns from injured list (plus other notes)

Scott returns from injured list (plus other notes)
The Orioles reinstated left-hander Tanner Scott from the injured list this afternoon and optioned southpaw Alexander Wells to Triple-A Norfolk. Scott has recovered from a sprained left knee and convinced the club that he was ready yesterday after a bullpen session. Rule 5 pick Tyler Wells is expected to be reinstated within a day or two after yesterday's simulated inning. Alexander Wells hops back on the shuttle after allowing a run and three hits last night in the ninth inning. He can return...
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Runs flow against Orioles after heavy rain in 9-4 loss (updated)

Runs flow against Orioles after heavy rain in 9-4 loss (updated)
The storm clouds rolled in today after the Tigers finished their batting practice rounds, unleashing a torrential downpour that pushed back the first pitch almost two hours. Fans instructed to leave open areas of the ballpark and head for cover due to the severe weather. The Camden Yards drainage system challenged again like a close play on the bases, except the grounds crew always gets it right. The most impressive pitching line in the organization already was complete, with left-hander Bruce...
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Wondering how Orioles handle catching in 2022

Wondering how Orioles handle catching in 2022
The promotion of No. 1 prospect Adley Rutschman from Double-A Bowie to Triple-A Norfolk was bound to create more discussion about the wisdom of bringing him to the majors by September versus waiting until 2022. Another 100-loss season creates arguments from both sides. Either it's a good reason to delay it or the exact reason why it should be done, as if there's really nothing to lose besides more games. Rutschman ended the 2019 season with a handful of games at low Single-A Delmarva. He...
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Updates on Wells, Scott, Harvey, Severino, Zimmermann and more

Updates on Wells, Scott, Harvey, Severino, Zimmermann and more
The Orioles are on the verge of getting back one of their high-leverage relievers for a beleaguered bullpen. Tyler Wells threw a simulated inning this afternoon and the results were positive for a team that badly needs him. No discomfort in his right wrist and the stuff was crisp. "Came off the mound feeling good," said manager Brandon Hyde. "He looked great. Fastball was there. He threw some really good curveballs and sliders and changeup. So, encouraged how he came off the mound. "We're...
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Wells throws off mound again (and lineups)

Wells throws off mound again (and lineups)
Rule 5 reliever Tyler Wells pitched to outfielders Ryan McKenna and DJ Stewart this afternoon at Camden Yards in a live batting practice session. The Orioles are deciding whether Wells is ready to be reinstated from the injured list. Soreness in his right wrist delayed his return after his last mound session. Wells hasn't pitched for the Orioles since July 19 due to tendinitis in the wrist. He's the closer in waiting for a bullpen that needs a trustworthy option for manager Brandon Hyde. The...
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Latest check on Orioles roster, moves and more

Latest check on Orioles roster, moves and more
The Orioles maintained their streak yesterday of conducting business or announcing it on an off-day. Well, pretty much every day, under any circumstances. Don't get too attached to the roster. Of course, there's bound to be separation when a team is 38-72 and unable to stay healthy. The Orioles designated reliever Conner Greene for assignment Saturday and recalled Isaac Mattson from Triple-A Norfolk. The Dodgers claimed Greene off waivers yesterday. This was the last loose end, needing...
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Orioles trying to find ways to fix a frustrating situation

Orioles trying to find ways to fix a frustrating situation
There are no easy or obvious solutions to the Orioles' explosive bullpen, holes in the rotation and thinning roster due to injuries. Not unless the production picks up at its highest affiliate. That would at least provide an option. Relievers have surrendered 52 runs in the past five games - 16 scored in the eighth inning in the Rays' sweep - and manager Brandon Hyde can't be criticized for running the same group into games every night. He can't be ripped for ignoring hot hands that simply...
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Source: Orioles promoting Rutschman to Triple-A Norfolk

Source: Orioles promoting Rutschman to Triple-A Norfolk
Catcher Adley Rutschman's work at Double-A is done. The Orioles are promoting Rutschman to Triple-A Norfolk, according to a source. His final game with the Bowie Baysox unfolded earlier today when he started behind the plate in Somerset and went 0-for-3 in a 7-0 loss to the Patriots, who registered a combined no-hitter. Luis Severino, with Somerset on an injury rehab assignment, tossed four perfect innings. Rutschman appeared in 80 games in his first season with Bowie and batted .271/.392/.508...
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Orioles bullpen folds again in eighth in 9-6 loss (updated)

Orioles bullpen folds again in eighth in 9-6 loss (updated)
The Orioles closed out their series against the Rays today trying to dodge a sweep and keep the runs allowed under 10 for the first time in five games, with one of their best hitters removed from the active roster and a couple other starters banged up on the bench. A volatile bullpen received a fresh arm. The Orioles needed a fresh start. Cedric Mullins gave them a hot one with his leadoff home run in the first inning, making him the seventh player in Orioles history with a 20/20 season...
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Mountcastle on concussion IL, notes and lineups (updated)

Mountcastle on concussion IL, notes and lineups (updated)
The Orioles placed Ryan Mountcastle on the seven-day concussion injured list today and recalled left-hander Alexander Wells from Triple-A Norfolk. Wells was eligible to return in fewer than the minimum 10 days based on an injury. He was scheduled to start today for the Tides. Manager Brandon Hyde said the club will re-evaluate going with an extra pitcher after Monday's off-day. The bench includes catcher Pedro Severino, who left last night's game with a sore right knee but should be available...
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More thoughts on need to evaluate Martin and Mateo

More thoughts on need to evaluate Martin and Mateo
Maikel Franco spent almost a month trying to come back from a sprained ankle. His pursuit of a foul ball in Houston leading to a spill on the warning track and an injury that coincided with Ryan McKenna's catch for the last out of the game. Franco has resumed his role as the everyday third baseman, but do the arrivals of Richie Martin and Jorge Mateo impact him? The Orioles cleared out two third basemen recently by optioning Kelvin Gutiérrez and having Domingo Leyba designated for...
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Early excitement from Orioles evaporates in 12-3 loss (updated)

Early excitement from Orioles evaporates in 12-3 loss (updated)
Before the Orioles began tonight's game against the Rays, about 30 minutes later than intended, they stood along the dugout railing to watch the club's newest inductees into its Hall of Fame. To enjoy the ceremony and see how the other half lived, rather than just gazing across the field. The video tribute for former shortstop J.J. Hardy closed with him reaching for home plate to score the go-ahead run on Delmon Young's bases-clearing double in the 2014 Division Series. The loudest moment in...
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Mountcastle appears headed to concussion injured list

Mountcastle appears headed to concussion injured list
Out of the lineup tonight, Orioles rookie Ryan Mountcastle is moving toward an exit from the active roster. The Orioles are expected to place Mountcastle on the seven-day concussion injured list after he absorbed Wander Franco's hard tag on the side of the head last night while attempting to steal second base in the first inning. Mountcastle came out of the game in the top of the third, with Maikel Franco replacing him at first base. He underwent a concussion evaluation and the club has been...
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Orioles and Rays lineups

Orioles and Rays lineups
Ryan Mountcastle is out of the Orioles lineup tonight after undergoing an evaluation last night for a concussion. Mountcastle was removed from last night's game after two innings. He took a hard tag from Wander Franco on the side of his head in the first on a failed stolen base attempt. Trey Mancini is starting at first base and Anthony Santander is the designated hitter. Maikel Franco is starting at third base and the Orioles are going with a double play combination of Jorge Mateo at second...
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Orioles recall Mattson and DFA Greene

Orioles recall Mattson and DFA Greene
The bullpen is changing again for the Orioles, who announced this afternoon that they recalled Isaac Mattson from Triple-A Norfolk and that Conner Greene would be designated for assignment. They also reinstated left-hander Ryan Hartman from the injured list at Triple-A Norfolk after he completed the intake process. Hartman goes on the 40-man roster, with Greene's removal opening a spot. Mattson, acquired from the Angels in the Dylan Bundy trade with the Angels in December 2019, made his major...
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Rays inflict painful loss on Orioles (updated)

Rays inflict painful loss on Orioles (updated)
Ryan Mountcastle was thrown out trying to steal second base tonight, absorbed a hard tag to the side of his head and left the game in the top of the third. Trey Mancini fouled a ball off his crotch in the fifth, dropped face-down in the dirt and didn't move for several seconds. The Orioles were trying to win a game while in full survival mode, with Nelson Cruz doling out more punishment. Mancini lined his second double of the night on the next pitch and scored on Jorge Mateo's triple to...
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Hartman working hard to make name for himself

Hartman working hard to make name for himself
Type the name in an internet search and a professional hockey winger appears, a former first-round draft pick who plays for the Minnesota Wild. If you want the Ryan Hartman who's a pitcher in the Orioles organization, the word "baseball" is required to distinguish the two. Otherwise, he's buried beneath the National Hockey League results. "I actually messaged him this off-season," said the Orioles' Hartman, claimed off waivers last week from the Astros and optioned to Triple-A...
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Updates on Mateo, Zimmermann, Wells, Scott and Harvey

Updates on Mateo, Zimmermann, Wells, Scott and Harvey
Jorge Mateo will be in Saturday night's lineup to make his Orioles debut, whether as the 51st or 52nd player used in 2021. Reliever Marcos Diplán could finish ahead of him later tonight. The Orioles claimed Mateo off waivers from the Padres yesterday and Hyde met him this afternoon in the dugout before batting practice. Mateo will start at shortstop or second base in the middle game of the series against the Rays. "I'm going to give him a big opportunity," Hyde said. "It's a really...
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