Orioles lineup vs. Athletics

Orioles lineup vs. Athletics
Jimmy Yacabonis makes his first start since Sept. 30 today as the Orioles try to avoid a sweep in Oakland and shake off last night's embarrassing 16-2 loss that included a 10-run sixth inning. Yacabonis shut out the Astros on one hit over four innings in a 4-0 win to close out the 2018 season. He's been returned to a relief role, coming out of the bullpen in 13 games and posting a 5.40 ERA and 1.600 WHIP in 20 innings, but the Orioles are using him today as an opener. Left-hander Josh Rogers...
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Orioles replacing Alvarez in GCL (and other notes)

Orioles replacing Alvarez in GCL (and other notes)
With less than a week remaining until the start of the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League season, the Orioles are in the process of naming a new pitching coach after removing Wilson Alvarez. I've heard that Wilson was let go Thursday after six seasons with the GCL team. Minor league pitching coordinator Chris Holt is in Sarasota as the temporary replacement for Alvarez until the new hire is announced. Former Orioles pitcher and bullpen coach Alan Mills is beginning his first season as manager at...
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Orioles and Athletics lineups

Orioles and Athletics lineups
The Orioles will try to break a six-game losing streak tonight with Hanser Alberto serving as the designated hitter and Renato Núñez playing first base while the Athletics start left-hander Brett Anderson. Rio Ruiz is playing third base. Pedro Severino is catching. Alberto leads the majors with a .432 average against left-handers. Severino has posted a .340 average. Gabriel Ynoa has allowed three earned runs or fewer in his four starts, though he's exceeded five innings only once. He's...
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Is Hess really changing roles?

Is Hess really changing roles?
One decision had been made on David Hess. He was going back down to Triple-A Norfolk as the latest poster child for the Orioles' quest to reset. But what would Hess be doing after returning to the International League? The Orioles could have slotted him into the Tides' rotation or continued with their plan to again make him a reliever, the path taken over the weekend until one appearance on Sunday turned into his last with the club. Manager Brandon Hyde told the media last night in Oakland...
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Orioles lineup vs. Athletics

Orioles lineup vs. Athletics
Chance Sisco is catching tonight and Pedro Severino will serve as the designated hitter. Andrew Cashner is working on eight days' rest due to an off-day and blister on his right middle finger. Cashner faced the Athletics on April 8 in Baltimore and allowed three earned runs (four total) and nine hits in 5 1/3 innings in a 12-4 win. Josh Phegley and Mark Canha hit home runs. Tonight marks Cashner's eighth career appearance and seventh start against the A's. He's 2-1 with a 6.53 ERA and 1.648...
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Orioles select Gilmartin's contract and DFA Rickard

Orioles select Gilmartin's contract and DFA Rickard
The Orioles have selected the contract of left-hander Sean Gilmartin from Triple-A Norfolk this afternoon and placed him in their bullpen for tonight's series opener against the Athletics in Oakland. With a full 40-man roster, the Orioles also designated outfielder Joey Rickard for assignment to create room for Gilmartin. In 17 games with Norfolk, Gilmartin registered a 2.48 ERA and 1.10 WHIP over 36 1/3 innings to position himself as an alternative for a team that's routinely making changes...
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Mancini stays 17th in All-Star voting

Mancini stays 17th in All-Star voting
Trey Mancini has held firm in the 17th spot among American League outfielders after the latest round of voting for the All-Star Game. Mancini is the only Orioles player appearing among the leaders at any position. First baseman Chris Davis has disappeared after ranking 10th last week. As the Orioles begin a three-game series in Oakland tonight, Mancini is batting .310/.365/.571 with 18 doubles, two triples, 16 home runs, 35 RBIs and 23 walks in 296 plate appearances. He's 10-for-24 during a...
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Rogers leaned on Cashner long-distance

Rogers leaned on Cashner long-distance
The friendship that developed between pitchers Andrew Cashner and Josh Rogers in spring training shifted a bit toward mentorship last week as the veteran decided to contact the rookie. A phone call that accomplished two purposes. Check on Rogers' life outside of baseball and pass along some professional advice. Rogers was struggling and unable to gain a promotion until the Orioles had little choice. They needed a starter for Friday night, coincidentally with Cashner scratched due to a blister...
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O's fail to protect late lead and lose 8-6 in 10 innings (Hess optioned)

O's fail to protect late lead and lose 8-6 in 10 innings (Hess optioned)
The final game of the homestand was turning into a day of atonement for the Orioles. An improved level of play had to satisfy their manager, who fumed after yesterday's defeat. And then Brandon Hyde boiled over and got tossed on Father's Day. Scolded by Hyde for their shoddy play the previous afternoon, mental and physical errors pushing him to the breaking point, the Orioles were offering a crisper version of themselves. But they couldn't avoid another series of missteps and had another win...
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Orioles could use opener in Oakland (tied 3-3, Hyde ejected)

Orioles could use opener in Oakland (tied 3-3, Hyde ejected)
The Orioles may decide to use an opener Wednesday afternoon in Oakland instead of giving the start to left-hander Josh Rogers. The spot behind Andrew Cashner and Gabriel Ynoa again is to be determined. Manager Brandon Hyde announced yesterday that Rogers would get the assignment, but he's now considering alternatives. Rogers likely would follow the opener if he's put back in the bullpen. "We let the A's know it's still a little bit unsure," Hyde said. "It's kind of how things go the...
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Lucas provides update on injured shoulder

Lucas provides update on injured shoulder
Reliever Josh Lucas sat at his locker this morning with an ice pack wrapped on his right shoulder. He's on the 10-day injured list, but optimistic about his ability to return as soon as he's eligible. An MRI confirmed a strain in the shoulder, but no structural damage. Lucas said he felt some tightness while warming up prior to the ninth inning of Thursday night's outing against the Blue Jays. The bullpen was taxed and Lucas pushed through his third inning of work, totaling a career-high 63...
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Orioles lineup vs. Red Sox

Orioles lineup vs. Red Sox
First baseman Chris Davis is in today's lineup against Red Sox left-hander Brian Johnson. The Orioles also will have Keon Broxton in center field, Anthony Santander in left and Pedro Severino behind the plate. A lineup heavy in right-handed hitters also includes Rule 5 shortstop Richie Martin and third baseman Hanser Alberto. Rookie left-hander John Means has faced the Red Sox twice this season and allowed two runs over 12 innings. J.D. Martinez is 2-for-5 with a double and home run against...
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More on Orioles rotation and Straily's struggles

More on Orioles rotation and Straily's struggles
The sidebar on yesterday's news about Josh Rogers' insertion in the rotation is how Gabriel Ynoa is staying in it. It speaks of the building trust in Ynoa, who's made four starts, and the limited alternatives as the Orioles seek ways to improve their depth in the high minors. They'll keep a close eye on Tom Eshelman, who made his debut with Triple-A Norfolk last week and allowed only one earned run in seven innings. Hyde expressed his satisfaction yesterday in his top four, which includes...
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Bundy unable to maintain roll in 7-2 loss (with quotes)

Bundy unable to maintain roll in 7-2 loss (with quotes)
Dylan Bundy had his share of weird today and the game aged only two innings. He stumbled while warming up before his first pitch and held onto the ball, whether due to loose footing or the plate umpire moving toward catcher Pedro Severino. He stood helplessly, arms spread out, as outfielders Keon Broxton and Anthony Santander chatted in right-center and Andrew Benintendi tagged up and moved to second base. Jackie Bradley Jr. broke for second and didn't draw a throw or an infielder, an easy...
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Rogers provides relief before rotation return (O's down 4-2)

Rogers provides relief before rotation return (O's down 4-2)
A relief outing that stretches over 4 1/3 innings and requires 82 pitches has been known to punch a ticket back to the minors. Left-hander Josh Rogers wondered if he'd be packing his bags again, saving the bullpen last night leading to his removal from it. Rogers is, indeed, coming out of the Orioles bullpen, but only to join the rotation and make Wednesday night's start in Oakland. Manager Brandon Hyde informed Rogers of his decision earlier today. The media didn't find out until...
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Rogers returns to rotation while Hess moves to 'pen

Rogers returns to rotation while Hess moves to 'pen
The Orioles are moving David Hess to the bullpen in the latest rotation makeover of the season. Left-hander Josh Rogers, recalled yesterday from Triple-A Norfolk, will start Wednesday night in Oakland. Hess is available in relief today and will remain in that role for an undermined length of time. Manager Brandon Hyde informed Hess yesterday of the switch and decided on Rogers as the replacement after the rookie allowed two runs last night in 4 1/3 innings in a 13-2 loss to the Red Sox. Hess is...
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Orioles lineup vs. Red Sox

Orioles lineup vs. Red Sox
Hanser Alberto is back in the Orioles lineup and in the leadoff spot today after leaving last night's game with an illness. Trey Mancini is playing first base, Anthony Santander is in right field and Stevie Wilkerson is in left. Chris Davis sits against Red Sox left-hander Chris Sale. Pedro Severino moves up to third in the order. He continues to rake against lefties. Keon Broxton is in center field and Richie Martin is the shortstop. For the Orioles Hanser Alberto 3B Trey Mancini 1B Pedro...
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Orioles recall Jimmy Yacabonis

Orioles recall Jimmy Yacabonis
The shuttle has dropped off Jimmy Yacabonis at Camden Yards. Yacabonis is making his latest return to the Orioles, who recalled him this morning from Triple-A Norfolk. He replaces Luis Ortiz, who was optioned following last night's 13-2 loss to the Red Sox. The bullpen is holding eight relievers, though Josh Rogers won't be available for a while after throwing 82 pitches last night in 4 1/3 innings. Yacabonis is available this afternoon after working only two-thirds of an inning Thursday. He...
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Hyde unable to give relievers defined roles

Hyde unable to give relievers defined roles
I'm not sure if there's a media member alive covering baseball who doesn't want the answer. We have to know specific bullpen roles. Who's the closer, primary set-up man, lefty specialist, middle reliever and long man? The emergency catcher also is a common curiosity, but let's stick to the bullpen for the sake of this morning's discussion. (Manager Brandon Hyde hasn't revealed the identity of the emergency catcher, but Stevie Wilkerson is back on the roster and he got in some work behind...
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Orioles stay on wrong side of lopsided score in 13-2 loss (Ortiz optioned)

Orioles stay on wrong side of lopsided score in 13-2 loss (Ortiz optioned)
Luis Ortiz was given orders to attack. Don't nibble or the Red Sox will devour you. Work quickly, throw strikes, stay aggressive. A high pitch count and short outing would be frowned upon on a club scrambling late last night to find a starter and freshen up the bullpen. Do anything to avoid it. Pitching coach Doug Brocail visited Ortiz by the third inning, which included a bases-loaded jam and prolonged at-bat by Brock Holt, who homered earlier in the game. Holt struck out looking at a slider...
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