More on today's roster moves and Orioles lineup

Two events today made it clear that the Orioles were preparing for a roster move.

Reliever Burch Smith walked to the bullpen this afternoon with pitching coach Drew French, assistant Mitch Plassmeyer and head athletic trainer Brian Ebel. He completed a session and returned to the clubhouse, exiting it after the media arrived at 3:30 p.m.

Left-hander Danny Coulombe returned to the club after three rehab appearances with Triple-A Norfolk, stopping by his locker multiple times and offering a smile to reporters as he passed. He wasn't able to speak about his status until it became official.

Manager Brandon Hyde offered confirmation during his session, saying that Coulombe was reinstated from the 60-day injured list and that Smith would go on the 15-day IL with a right adductor/groin strain.

Coulombe hasn’t pitched for the Orioles since June 8. He underwent surgery later that month to remove bone chips from his left elbow, robbing them of a high-leverage reliever with a 2.42 ERA and 0.615 WHIP in 29 appearances.

The splits increase Coulombe’s value. Left-handed hitters are batting .171 with a .400 OPS this season and right-handers are batting .130 with a .490 OPS. Hyde can use him in any situation, including as a backup closer.

The Orioles determined that Coulombe was ready to come back after he faced three hitters Wednesday in Game 1 of Norfolk’s doubleheader and reported that he felt great. Coulombe tossed 2 2/3 scoreless innings on his assignment.

“Danny’s a huge part of our success in the first half,” said manager Brandon Hyde, “and great to have him back.”

The heat of a pennant race and having only nine games left prohibit the Orioles from easing him into the competition.

“We’re in a sprint right now, so best I can,” Hyde said. “I kind of did that with Webby (Jacob Webb). See how the game plays out, but it’s nice to have him back.”

Smith has made 25 appearances and registered a 5.74 ERA and 1.050 WHIP in 26 2/3 innings. He retired all six batters faced and struck out three Tuesday night against the Giants in his last outing – the exact same line posted by Coulombe in his final game prior to having surgery.

Hyde said Smith noticed the discomfort after his last game.

Smith won’t be eligible to pitch again in the regular season but could return for the Division Series if the Orioles are in it.

Infielders Ramón Urías and Jordan Westburg are playing in their second rehab games tonight as they near reinstatement and the Orioles bolster their roster for the stretch run and playoffs. First baseman Ryan Mountcastle could be next, with his assignment beginning tonight.

Grayson Rodriguez threw another bullpen session this afternoon but the Orioles need to get him to the point where he’s pitching live batting practice. Norfolk’s season concludes on Sunday and he won’t be ready.

Hyde confirmed that Rodriguez hasn’t faced hitters since his last start on July 31 against the Blue Jays.

The Orioles are facing Tigers left-hander Tyler Holton, who’s serving as the opener tonight.

Austin Slater is in left field and batting second, Emmanuel Rivera is playing third base and batting fifth, and Coby Mayo is the first baseman and No. 7 hitter.

James McCann is catching Corbin Burnes while Adley Rutschman serves as designated hitter.

Cedric Mullins is on the bench after yesterday’s collision with Slater.

For the Orioles

Gunnar Henderson SS
Austin Slater LF
Adley Rutschman DH
Anthony Santander RF
Emmanuel Rivera 3B
Colton Cowser CF
Coby Mayo 1B
Jackson Holliday 2B
James McCann C