Orioles put Watkins on IL and recall Diplán, Gillaspie and Sulser

NEW YORK – The Orioles are making massive changes to their pitching staff heading into tonight’s series opener at Yankee Stadium.

Right-handers Marcos Diplán, Logan Gillaspie and Beau Sulser have been recalled from Triple-A Norfolk, with pitcher Mike Baumann and infielder Tyler Nevin optioned after yesterday’s game and Spenser Watkins placed on the 15-day injured list with a right elbow contusion.

Watkins was hit by a 106 mph line drive off Ji-Man Choi’s bat in the first inning of yesterday’s game.

Gillaspie is able to return early from the minors because he’s replacing an injured player. He’s tossed 3 2/3 scoreless innings in two appearances.

Sulser, wearing No. 67, made his major league debut this season with the Pirates and appeared in four games before the Orioles claimed him off waivers May 14. He’s the brother of former Orioles reliever Cole Sulser.

More fresh arms were needed after yesterday’s 11-inning win over the Rays.

Baumann was recalled by the Orioles and allowed one run in three innings on Saturday before heading back to Norfolk. Nevin had sevens hits in his last 19 at-bats.

Watkins’ next turn was Saturday in the doubleheader in Boston, so the Orioles must choose another starter for their rotation.

The Orioles again are carrying 14 pitchers.

The lineup hasn’t been posted, but Ryan Mountcastle was expected in it after leaving yesterday’s game in the ninth inning with heat-related body cramps.

Austin Hays is 3-for-3 in his last three pinch-hit at-bats, with a double, triple and four RBIs.

Jordan Lyles already has faced the Yankees three times this season. One run in 5 1/3 innings in Baltimore, six runs in 4 2/3 innings in New York and two earned runs in seven innings in Baltimore.

The Orioles won two of three games at home, were swept in a three-game series in New York and lost three of four at home.

The Orioles have three walk-off wins in their last four games for the first time since Sept. 25-29, 1974, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. Their five walk-offs lead the majors.

They left 16 runners on base yesterday for the first time since June 13, 2012 in Boston.

Right-hander Gerrit Cole is 4-0 with a 2.89 ERA and 1.076 WHIP with 12 walks and 51 strikeouts in 43 2/3 innings.

Cole is 5-1 with a 1.57 ERA and 0.813 WHIP in eight career starts against the Orioles, with nine walks and 69 strikeouts in 51 2/3 innings. He’s surrendered only three home runs.

The Orioles saw Cole on Wednesday and were held to two runs in seven innings.

Rougned Odor, who has a seven-game hitting streak, is 2-for-20 against Cole. Chris Owings is 5-for-12 with four doubles.

Aaron Judge has 30 home runs and 68 RBIs in 78 career games against the Orioles.

The Yankees have the best record in baseball at 29-12.

Dean Kremer is starting Tuesday night for Triple-A Norfolk in his second injury rehab game. He tossed two scoreless innings with Double-A Bowie.

Kremer went on the injured list with a strained oblique, which occurred as he warmed in the bullpen during the season’s third game at Tropicana Field.

Outfielder Kyle Stowers was named the International League’s Player of the Week after batting .480 with a 1.767 OPS, three doubles, five home runs and 10 RBIs. Three of his homers were hit yesterday.

Carter Baumler, who underwent Tommy John surgery four months after the Oriole selected him in the fifth round of the 2020 draft, has reported to Single-A Delmarva. He’s been pitching at extended spring training.

Other moves announced today:

* Infielder Shed Long Jr. from High-A Aberdeen rehab assignment to Triple-A Norfolk’s active roster
* Infielder César Prieto from Aberdeen to Double-A Bowie
* Pitcher Alex Pham from Delmarva to Aberdeen
* Outfielder Elio Prada from extended spring training to Delmarva

Prieto, who received a $650,000 bonus during January’s international signing period, joins a Bowie infield that also includes Gunnar Henderson, Jordan Westburg and Joey Ortiz. He slashed .340/.381/.619 with six doubles, seven home runs and 20 RBIs in 25 games.

For the Yankees
Anthony Rizzo 1B
Aaron Judge RF
Giancarlo Stanton DH
Gleyber Torres 2B
Isiah Kiner-Falefa SS
Aaron Hicks LF
Estevan Florial CF
Jose Trevino C
Marwin Gonzalez 3B

Gerrit Cole RHP