Irvin chosen to start third game in Boston (and other notes)

Two of the first three starters for the Orioles to begin the 2023 season will be making their debuts with the club.

Left-hander Cole Irvin is confirmed for Sunday afternoon’s game against the Red Sox at Fenway Park. He follows Opening Day starter Kyle Gibson on Thursday and Dean Kremer on Saturday.

Irvin posted a 3.14 ERA in spring training with five earned runs and 17 hits allowed in 14 1/3 innings. He walked only one batter and struck out nine.

The Orioles acquired Irvin and minor league pitcher Kyle Virbitsky from the Athletics in January for Single-A infielder Darell Hernaiz. He’s made two career appearances against the Red Sox, including one start, and allowed two earned runs in nine innings.

This will be Irvin’s first career game at Fenway Park.

Gibson came to the Orioles via free agency, signing a $10 million contract that's the largest distributed by the Orioles since Mike Elias was hired in November 2018 as executive vice president/general manager. Gibson is prepping for his second career Opening Day assignment.

Kyle Bradish and Tyler Wells complete the rotation, with top pitching prospect Grayson Rodriguez optioned yesterday to Triple-A Norfolk. The Orioles haven’t announced their starters for the Rangers series that begins Monday night in Arlington, but Bradish is expected to slot fourth.

The Orioles selected the contract of 33-year-old left-handed reliever Danny Coulombe this morning after acquiring him from the Twins yesterday afternoon for cash considerations. He’s wearing No. 54.

Coulombe didn’t allow an earned run in nine spring innings, walking four batters and striking out 13. He owns a career 3.92 ERA and 1.313 WHIP in 194 major league games spread among three teams, including the Dodgers and Athletics.

The eight-man bullpen is expected to hold three lefties with Coulombe, Cionel Pérez and Keegan Akin.

Rule 5 pick Andrew Politi was designated for assignment to make room for Coulombe. Politi, who allowed runs in only two of his nine spring outings but registered a 6.23 ERA, cleared waivers today and returned to the Red Sox organization.

The club is expected to again assign Politi to Triple-A Worcester, where he posted a 2.41 ERA and 1.018 WHIP last summer with 63 strikeouts in 56 innings. The Orioles selected him with the 17th overall pick in the Rule 5 draft.