How losing O'Hearn impacts first base (and other Orioles notes)

ATLANTA – The decision after Thursday’s game to option Ryan O’Hearn to Triple-A Norfolk takes away a true backup first baseman on the Orioles’ roster.

O’Hearn was bumped by new catcher Luis Torrens, acquired from the Cubs this week for cash considerations.

“Ryan did a great job for us,” said manager Brandon Hyde. “That was tough to say goodbye. Might just be short term. We’ll see. But did a really good job for us in the role that he was in when he was here, so expect to see him back at some point.”

Hyde might be thinking a little outside the box to give Ryan Mountcastle an occasional break.

James McCann played an inning at first base this week in Kansas City and made six starts with the Mets. Adley Rutschman played first in college and the minors but not with the Orioles. Anthony Santander keeps taking ground balls at first and got some reps in spring training, but his last real game experience was in 2016 with Single-A Lynchburg.

“I haven’t ripped off that seal yet,” Hyde said. “We’ve got some guys who have played over there in the past.”

Hyde mentioned infielder Ramón Urías as a possibility. Urías made nine starts in the minors, most recently in 2019 with Triple-A Memphis.

“Got a few options,” Hyde said.

Torrens is on the bench tonight after reporting to the club. He made five starts at first base with the Mariners in 2021 and has made 14 in the minors and 21 in foreign leagues.

The Orioles wanted a third catcher for the many occasions when Hyde puts Rutschman and McCann in the same lineup.

“We’re in a little bit of a unique situation in that Adley is such a great player that you like to have him in the lineup as much as possible,” Hyde said. “So, on days when McCann catches, if Adley doesn’t need an off-day, we want him as a DH, and not every team has that. So, that’s why it’s a little bit of a different situation with us, because we have two guys that we like to see in the lineup, so we’re going with this.”

For how long is unknown.

“Things change in this game so fast, too,” Hyde said. “The roster right now might look different in a few days. Who knows what it’s going to look like going forward.”

Hyde has received positive reviews on Torrens from the Cubs and Mariners.

“Excited to have him,” Hyde said. “He’s a guy that’s been around the league for a while. And with a night like tonight, where we have two catchers in the lineup, it’s a nice luxury to have.”

Jorge Mateo is batting leadoff for the first time in the majors with Austin Hays’ right middle finger still healing.

“Haysie’s still not in there and Jorgie’s swung the bat well against left-handed pitchers so far this year,” Hyde said. “We’re going to give him a shot leading off.”

Dean Kremer starts tonight after allowing nine runs and 18 hits in his last two appearances over 10 2/3 innings. He’s permitted four runs or more in five of six starts, the exception his 6 2/3 shutout innings in D.C.

“It’s been a little bit inconsistent so far this year and his numbers kind of show it,” Hyde said. “He’s had some tough outings. He’s had a couple good starts. Just like to see him kind of lock in and give us a real quality start. It’s a tough matchup. It’s a really good lineup he’s going to be facing. I think he’s ready for it. I think he’s learned from his last starts, and love to see him go out and pitch well tonight.”

The Orioles will need to bring their A game against Braves left-hander Max Fried, who’s allowed one run in 20 innings while stringing together three scoreless starts in a row. He’s trying to join Greg Maddux in 2000 as the only pitchers in modern Braves history with four straight.

Over the last two seasons, Fried leads the majors with a .156 opponents' batting average with runners in scoring position in a minimum 150 batters faced, according to STATS.

Fried tossed a four-hit shutout at Camden Yards in 2021. Hyde hasn’t forgotten.

“No walks,” Hyde said.

“It’s one of the best left-handers in our game. Low-to-mid 90s fastball that he really throws in well to right-handers. Then, he’s got a slider that he tries to get to dive down and in to right-handers. And he’s also got a plus changeup to go on the other side of the plate.

“You’re just hoping he makes a mistake in the middle. You try to get something elevated. All of his pitches have a lot of life to it. Maybe he’s due. Maybe we’re due.”

Tonight marks the fifth time that two Jewish starting pitchers are matched up in a game, and the first since Ken Holtzman and Dave Roberts in 1977.