Notes on Mullins, upcoming starters, playing spoiler and more

Orioles outfielder Cedric Mullins is just getting a rest day, according to manager Brandon Hyde. He isn't injured and he isn't necessarily staying on the bench for tonight's series opener in Philadelphia.

"After a busy weekend, it's a good day to give him a rest and he'll be ready for a pinch-hit or coming into the game," Hyde said.

Mullins is one home run short of joining the 30/30 club and being the lone member with the Orioles.

Mullins is trying to become the first center fielder, playing at least 75 percent of games at the position, with a 30/30 season since Mike Trout in 2012. There have been 13 30/30 seasons by a center fielder in major league history and four in the American League - Trout in 2012, Jacoby Ellsbury in 2011, Grady Sizemore in 2008 and José Cruz in 2001.

Hyde said the Orioles could use "a bullpen game" rather than a starter for Tuesday night against the Phillies. The spot is listed as TBA.

Rookie Chris Ellis' turn falls on Tuesday, but he hasn't been confirmed for the game.

Rookie left-hander Keegan Akin starts on Wednesday to close out the series and the road trip.

Meanwhile, Hyde's club is trying to play spoiler against another contender.

"I think that we have a lot of guys that have a lot to play for still, whether it's being a spoiler or playing for their careers," he said. "Playing opens eyes up, not only with the Orioles, but potentially other teams. Try to stay on a 40-man roster when the season is over.

"I don't sense a lack of effort or a lack of drive to try to finish the season strong. I think we are. The last couple games, we've had moments where things change, we could either be winning late or won a couple of those games. Same with the Yankees series. Blew two in the Toronto series. So I think our guys are playing to win."

Orioles pitchers have gone 0-for-13 with one sacrifice bunt and eight strikeouts in 14 plate appearances this season. John Means is the last pitcher to record a hit on July 24, 2019 in Arizona, and he's starting tonight.

"One thing is John Means does think he can hit and he is extremely confident in his hitting ability," Hyde said. "To take batting practice in Boston, it was the Chris Sale start, so we had the machine set up way off the mound to the left, so the machine was throwing about 96 mph from an angle, kind of behind him. I think he made contact on about 40 percent of the balls and I would say 92 percent were on the top of the cage, so I think that might have hurt his confidence a little bit.

"But he does think he is a really good hitter, so we'll see tonight. However, I'd love to see him bunt every single time."

Single-A Aberdeen pitcher Brandon Young earned High-A East Pitcher of the Week honors. The Orioles signed Young as an undrafted free agent in 2020.

Former Orioles shortstop Freddy Galvis is playing third base tonight for the Phillies.

For the Phillies
Odúbel Herrera CF
Jean Segura 2B
Bryce Harper RF
J.T. Realmuto C
Andrew McCutchen LF
Matt Vierling 1B
Didi Gregorius SS
Freddy Galvis 3B
Ranger Suárez LHP

This is my final post of the night. Be back early in the morning.