Harvey gets second start, Santander has sore side, and more

Orioles veteran right-hander Matt Harvey will start the second game of the regular season April 3 in Boston.

Manager Brandon Hyde announced his choice during today's Zoom call and is waiting to reveal the rest of his rotation.

Harvey, whose contract was selected earlier this week, is making his final exhibition appearance Sunday afternoon against the Pirates in Sarasota.

"I love telling him that he gets start No. 2. He was pumped up," Hyde said.

"He's had a nice camp, he had a really good start his last time out. It's his turn that day. ... He's been a super pro in camp and I feel like he's improved every outing, he feels great physically. I know that he's excited to be here and feels like he has a lot to prove, so it was cool telling him."

John Means is starting on opening day and Dean Kremer could pitch on April 4 to close out the series.

"The next three I'll let you know at a later date," Hyde said, perhaps exposing his plans for a five-man rotation.

The Orioles haven't announced their starter for Monday's final exhibition game.

Outfielder Anthony Santander is dealing with a minor health issue, which explains why he's out of the lineup for a fourth consecutive game.

"I'm hoping he's in there tomorrow or the next day," Hyde said. "He took a lot of at-bats and his side is a little bit sore. He took regular work today, he had a ton of at-bats a couple days ago, was giving him a couple days off anyway and now I just don't want to push anything. There's no reason to put him on the field if he's the least bit sore."

A strained oblique ended Santander's season in September. He's 9-for-29 in 13 games with two doubles, 10 walks and a .487 on-base percentage.

Hyde doesn't believe the current soreness is on the same side as last year.

"Like everybody else that's on the club, I want to make sure they're 100 percent," Hyde said. "I'm not going to rush Tony. He's got enough at-bats already. I'm not worried about his defense. His legs are underneath him. So, I'm just going to wait until he's ready to go before I play him in a game."

Third baseman Maikel Franco seems likely to make the opening day roster after signing with the Orioles on March 16. He was able to ramp up and avoid an option to the alternate camp site.

"It looks like it," Hyde said. "He took four at-bats last night, played a little first base, he's got a couple more games to go, so we'll see."

Hyde is starting Rio Ruiz again at third base tonight. Ruiz is 8-for-32 with four doubles this spring and seemingly able to co-exist with Franco.

"I'm going to try to find ways to get both of them in the lineup," Hyde said. "I like the way both guys swing the bat. Rio's having a nice camp. He's swinging the bat very well lately, played a really nice third base last night, done a really good job and has really made a lot of strides defensively this spring at third base. Is improving in all areas. So, I'm going to try to find a way to get both guys in there."

The camp roster is down to 36 players and no longer includes Chris Davis, who went on the 60-day injured list with a back strain. An unexpected development in his spring training.

"It wasn't very long," Hyde said. "He hurt his back that first game and went into treatment after that. He's been with our medical staff and seeing doctors regarding his back and now he's continuing to do so. So, hoping for a speedy recovery. I talked to him just a few days ago and he really wants to rehab this and get feeling good again. Bottom line.

"I feel bad for anybody who gets hurt, I feel bad for him."

Travis Lakins Sr., Dillon Tate, Conner Greene, Eric Hanhold, Evan Phillips, Mickey Jannis and Jay Flaa are the listed relievers tonight behind starter Means.

The travel roster also includes catcher Brett Cumberland and infielders Gunnar Henderson, Jordan Westburg and Terrin Vavra.

The Braves' lineup doesn't include a designated hitter.

For the Braves
Ronald Acuña Jr. RF
Ozzie Albies 2B
Freddie Freeman 1B
Marcell Ozuna LF
Travis d'Arnaud C
Dansby Swanson SS
Austin Riley 3B
Cristian Pache CF
Max Fried LHP