Brach: "It's definitely going to be a test here"

NEW YORK - Reliever Brad Brach has dealt with the situation before, has taken the exact same questions about the other members of the bullpen stepping up while a key figure is on the disabled list.

It happened twice last year with Darren O'Day and twice this year with closer Zach Britton. But never before has he been asked about the bullpen missing Britton and O'Day at the same time.

O'Day went on the DL yesterday with a strained right shoulder. Meanwhile, Britton threw again today off a full mound and is close to a batting practice session down in Sarasota.

"Any time guys get hurt, but when it's prominent guys like that, it's tough," Brach said. "And we haven't been playing the best. But like Buck (Showalter) said, nobody's going to feel sorry for us and they're just going to keep kicking us while we're down. But we've just got to keep fighting through and everybody's got to step up and that's really all you can do."

Showalter is waiting for someone to seize the opportunity that's on the table. Edwin Jackson has surrendered home runs in both of his outings since the Orioles selected his contract. Stefan Crichton keeps riding the shuttle, and he faltered again last night after replacing Jackson, with the first five Yankees reaching base against him in the eighth inning.

The Orioles keep sifting through their options while also hoping that their starters can get deeper in games.

"It's definitely going to be a test here," said Brach, who's recorded 11 saves in his role as replacement closer. "It's kind of one of those things that's unspoken about, but everybody knows they've got to step up. Guys who haven't had prominent roles are going to have them now. If anything, it's a chance for a good opportunity for these guys. Just hopefully a couple of guys can shake out of this and can really help us because we really need it now."

Roles no longer are clearly defined. A long reliever may be needed late in games, as Alec Asher discovered before the Orioles put him back in the rotation. As Ubaldo Jiménez discovered after coming out of the rotation. Mike Wright is experiencing it now after the Orioles recalled him.

Donnie Hart became more than a left-handed specialist and he's been optioned twice to Triple-A Norfolk.

"I think it's definitely been a little different," Brach said. "It's been a little bit difficult because Zach's hurt, then he's back, then he's hurt again, and now it's Darren, also. It's a little difficult for guys to get into a role.

"For me, it's been easier just because I knew where I slid in, but for other guys, I think they're just trying to find their spot. I think it's just a little different, but it's one of those unspoken things where you've just got to step in where you're wanted and when the phone rings, be ready for it because it could be anybody at any time."

For the Yankees
Brett Gardner LF
Aaron Hicks CF
Aaron Judge RF
Matt Holliday DH
Starlin Castro 2B
Gary Sánchez C
Didi Gregorius SS
Chase Headley 3B
Chris Carter 1B

Luis Severino RHP