Latest on Orioles' rehabbing players, Mateo's offensive struggles, Watkins trade and more

Orioles reliever Mychal Givens will pitch Sunday for Triple-A Norfolk, the firmest update available today on rehabbing players in the organization.

Givens allowed a run and two hits with a walk in two-thirds of an inning yesterday in Game 1 of a doubleheader. He's recovering from right shoulder inflammation.

The club is performing daily evaluations on center fielder Cedric Mullins and first baseman Ryan Mountcastle, who remain on their injury rehab assignments with Norfolk. Mullins started both games of last night’s doubleheader, while Mountcastle appeared in the opener.

Mullins isn’t in Norfolk’s lineup tonight. Mountcastle is batting second and serving as the designated hitter.

“We’re still kind of taking it day-to-day with both guys, but we’re encouraged that they came out of both those games feeling good,” said manager Brandon Hyde.

Nothing new on reliever Dillon Tate, who’s also with Norfolk.

“We’re still re-evaluating him, too,” Hyde said.

Mountcastle’s eventual return could cut into Ryan O’Hearn’s starts, though the corner outfield and DH spots provide opportunities. O’Hearn has slashed .388/.414/.746 (26-for-67) with six doubles, six home runs, 14 RBIs, 15 runs scored and three walks in his last 20 games since May 16.

“It’s going to be tough to take him out of the lineup if he continues to swing the bat like this,” Hyde said. “For me, those are good problems to have, a lot of really good players. Ryan has done an amazing job these last few weeks. He’s really enjoying himself here and he’s finally getting a chance to play regularly, showing what he can do.

“If he continues to swing like this, we’ll have to find a way to get both guys in the lineup.”

Jorge Mateo, who turned 28 today, remains in the lineup despite batting .224/.264/.356 in 65 games. He hit .347/.395/.667 in March/April, but .128/.165/.151 in May. He’s 10-for-47 (.213) in 16 games this month.

“He got off to such a great start in April. I think he’s just chasing hits,” Hyde said.

“One thing I'd like to give him a ton of credit for, which would be easy to do, would be to take it to his defense, and that is something that he has not done. That’s really important for us that we get really good shortstop defense, and he has provided excellent shortstop defense. I think he is a couple ABs away from kind of getting back to the player that he was in April, or somewhere even close, because he was so exciting. He’s such a factor when he gets on base. It’s game-changing. So, hoping the ABs improve a little bit, but the defense has been fantastic, and he’s working his butt off to try to get out of his funk.”

The glove compensates for the cold bat.

“Shortstop defense does for me, especially when we’re getting contributions in a lot of other areas,” Hyde said. “If we don’t play well up the middle, we’re going to have problems, and Jorgie has really played outstanding shortstop defense for us once again this year.”   

Austin Hays finished 14^th among outfielders in voting for the All-Star Game despite leading the American League with a .323 average.

“He’s on the All-Star team for me,” Hyde said.

The Orioles traded pitcher Spenser Watkins to the Astros for cash considerations. Watkins was designated for assignment earlier this week to make room on the 40-man roster for backup catcher Anthony Bemboom.

Houston optioned Watkins to Triple-A Sugar Land. The trade allows him to stay on the club’s 40-man, rather than clearing waivers and accepting a minor league deal.

The Orioles continue to list Sunday’s starter as TBA. Kyle Bradish would be working on regular rest. Cole Irvin would be another option.

For the Mariners
Jarred Kelenic LF
Julio Rodríguez CF
Ty France 1B
Teoscar Hernández RF
Cal Raleigh DH
Eugenio Suárez 3B
Kolten Wong 2B
Tom Murphy C
José Caballero SS

Logan Gilbert RHP