Mullins moves down to Double-A Bowie (and other notes)

The Orioles' center fielder on opening day has moved down to Double-A Bowie.

Cedric Mullins has been transferred to the Baysox after batting .205/.272/.306 in 66 games with Triple-A Norfolk. The Orioles optioned him after he started the season with only six hits in 64 at-bats.

Mullins, 24, broke camp with the Orioles despite going 8-for-53 in exhibition games and he's never been able to heat up at the plate. He's leading off tonight and playing center field in Akron.

The Tides made a series of roster moves this afternoon while coming out of the break.

Austin Hays was reinstated from the injured list and he's leading off tonight for Norfolk and playing center field against the Durham Bulls. Hays had been sidelined with a hamstring injury and just completed a rehab assignment.

DJ Stewart, on the major league injured list after spraining his ankle June 5 in Arlington, Texas, is continuing his rehab assignment with Norfolk. He's batting second and playing left field.

Left-hander Chris Lee, 26, has been released from his Triple-A contract after going 3-2 with a 5.91 ERA, 1.69 WHIP and .306 average-against in 18 relief appearances.

The Orioles put Lee on their 40-man roster in November 2015 and outrighted him in July 2018, with injuries and ineffectiveness ruining his prospect status. Former executive Dan Duquette acquired him from the Astros in May 2015 for two international signing bonus slots valued at $655,800.

Left-hander Luis Gonzalez was transferred from Norfolk to Bowie after going 1-4 with an 8.69 ERA and 1.86 WHIP in 23 games (one start). He allowed 28 runs and 43 hits in 29 innings and struck out 40 batters.

Christopher Bostick is playing second base tonight for Norfolk after being reinstated from the temporary inactive list. Relievers Josh Lucas and Matt Wotherspoon were activated after the Orioles outrighted them.