Hyde on Fry, Kremer, Hays and Baby Birds

The Orioles appear to be done with roster moves for 2021 after recalling reliever Isaac Mattson from Triple-A Norfolk and optioning left-hander Alexander Wells.

Mattson, who joined the team in Baltimore and hopped on the charter flight to Toronto, provides an extra arm in a bullpen game.

Manager Brandon Hyde doesn't know how much length he'll get from Thomas Eshelman.

"To be able to add a pitcher who's available was important," Hyde said.

Dean Kremer and Paul Fry weren't added to the expanded roster and remain with the Tides.

Kremer made one start with the Orioles after they optioned him on June 24, tasked with the opener of a Sept. 11 doubleheader against the Blue Jays. He allowed five runs and seven hits in four innings, including three homers, to leave his ERA at 7.55 and WHIP at 1.640 in 53 2/3 innings. He was winless in seven decisions.

The results with Norfolk, including a 1-5 record, 5.09 ERA and 1.303 WHIP in 16 games (12 starts), didn't get him back to Baltimore or Toronto.

The Orioles limited his innings toward the end. A Sept. 25 start in Charlotte totaled three scoreless and hitless frames.

Fry was optioned on Aug. 29 after surrendering Joey Wendle's grand slam. He posted a 1.78 ERA in his first 26 appearances and an 11.05 ERA in the next 26.

Rather than going to the minors for a brief reset, Fry has allowed seven runs and five hits with nine walks in 7 2/3 innings over his 10 appearances. He lost his closer's job with the Orioles and couldn't solve his control issues with the Tides.

"It comes back to command and to be able to command your pitches in the big leagues, to be able to work ahead of hitters," Hyde said.

"Paul Fry had a great first half. He just had too many walks the second half, he was behind in the count a lot in the second half, and we were hoping to send him to Triple-A to try to pitch in a little lower-pressure situations to kind of get that feeling back that he had in the first half, and I'm hoping he comes into spring training lights out like he was the first half for us, which I think that's the pitcher he is.

"Dean, for me, is still a pitching prospect in that he's got pitches, he's got a major league arsenal. He just has to know how to use them and refine the command of, really, all those pitches to become a starting pitcher in this division, in this league. You see the stuff. He's had some success, he's made some good starts. But to be consistent and be able to make 30 starts in the big leagues, you've got to be able to pitch deeper in the game, you've got to be able to throw less pitches per inning, you've got to be able to get early outs, you've got to be able to put guys away when ahead. And that starts with strike one and that starts with having confidence in all your pitches to throw strikes."

Austin Hays is playing in his 129th game tonight. His 16 extra-base hits - seven doubles, a triple and eight home runs - in September were tied for the third-most in the American League and sixth-most in the majors. His eight homers were tied with teammate Ryan Mountcastle for seventh-most in the AL.

Hays batted .283 with 21 RBIs and a .933 OPS last month in 27 games.

"I love the way Haysie has really come on in the second half," Hyde said. "That's a huge boost for our organization, for him. A guy that's getting regular playing time. We saw the flashes of what he could be, the kind of player, exciting player. Just had a tough time staying on the field. And for him to finish the season the way he is, to be able to stay on the field this second half and play almost every single day - I don't even remember the last time I did give him a day off - it's been awesome.

"It's been awesome to see the at-bats getting better, the defense is extremely solid. I love the way he throws. It's been a great development year for him and, hopefully, a confidence booster going into next season."

The Orioles' rookies participated in the traditional dress-up ritual, leaving Camden Yards late last night wearing adult diapers. A group photo, shared on social media, shows some of the players holding baby bottles.

"I thought it was interesting," Hyde said. "Seen a lot of them, but that was my first Baby Bird. These guys showcased their bodies and I think 'interesting' is the right word. But fun. I think the guys had a good time."