Blach on his first visit to Yankee Stadium and more (O's down 8-3)

NEW YORK - Ty Blach will start Game 2 of today's doubleheader after spending the opener on the taxi squad.

Blach is set to become the 52nd player used by the Orioles, four shy of last year's club record.

The corresponding move will be announced after Game 1. Meanwhile, Jimmy Yacabonis is the 26th man.

The Orioles selected Blach off waivers from the Giants on Aug. 3. He's 15-19 with a 4.56 ERA and 1.397 WHIP in 87 major league games, including 39 starts, over parts of four seasons with the Giants.

Blach said he was givens simple instructions for today.

"They said just be ready and kind of get ready for the second game," he said.

"It's awesome. It's one of the stadiums I haven't been to yet, so to be able to be here at Yankee Stadium is pretty special."

The Orioles are searching for pitchers who can get outs. It's Blach's turn to try later today.

"I think there are a lot of guys who are kind of in the same boat, a lot of guys that are looking to start this rebuild here and get this organization moving in the right direction," he said. "So I'm just hoping to be part of that and show that we can do this."

Blach made only one appearance at Triple-A Norfolk before joining the Orioles. He had an inactive period after the Giants designated him for assignment on July 27.

"It's been a different two weeks for sure," he said. "Taking a full week off in the middle of the season is something I'm not accustomed to, but just blessed to be with the Orioles. Really grateful for the opportunity and happy to be here and show what I can do."

Blach said he gained confidence knowing that the Orioles believed he was worthy of a shot to assist in the rebuild process.

"Knowing that somebody wants you, somebody thinks you can be a successful big league pitcher," he said. "Go out there and try to prove them right."

Manager Brandon Hyde said there's "a good chance" that Blach starts Game 2.

"We'll see who the first game goes, but he's a probable for the second game," Hyde said.

Hyde was asked what he knows about Blach. The report isn't extensive.

"I saw him San Francisco," Hyde said. "He was on the playoff roster in '16. He might have made a start against us (Cubs) in '16 or '17. He's a crafty left-hander that was a strike-thrower. Pretty deceptive. But besides that, not much."

Hyde hasn't been told who's starting Game 2 for the Yankees.

He's more concerned about covering at least 18 innings today and how it impacts his Game 1 decisions.

Dwight Smith Jr., on the injured list with a strained left calf muscle, is expected to begin an injury rehab assignment later this week. Toward the end of the Orioles' road trip.

"Progressing," Hyde said.

DJ Stewart, on the concussion injured list, worked out today with head athletic trainer Brian Ebel and should be able to return when he's eligible.

"He should come off either the last game here or the first game in Boston (Friday)," Hyde said. "We haven't decided on that yet but he's doing well. He's passing all the tests."

Mark Trumbo will go on a rehab assignment before he's considered for the September roster.

"He's going to definitely take some at-bats and get some innings in," Hyde said. "I'm looking forward to him joining us in September if every goes well. Obviously I'd love to have him in the dugout, lineup and clubhouse on a daily basis. We'll see how he does in the next couple of weeks."

Update: Renato Núñez hit a deep sacrifice fly to center that brought Hanser Alberto home to give the Orioles a 1-0 lead in the first.

Update II: Gabriel Ynoa served up a three-run homer to Didi Gregorius in the bottom of the first and Gleyber Torres added a solo shot for a 4-1 lead.

Update III: Doubles by Brett Gardner and Gio Urshela with two outs in the second expanded the lead to 5-1.

Update IV: Trey Mancini homered in the third to cut the lead to 5-2.

Update V: Urshela homered in the fifth for a 6-2 lead, but Anthony Santander answered with his 10th home run in the sixth.

Update VI: Cameron Maybin homered in teh sixth for a 7-3 lead.

Update VII: Gregorius' sacrfice fly off Branden Kline in the seventh gave New York an 8-3 lead.