Positive health update on Hays (updated)

Outfielder Austin Hays is taking the necessary steps on a rehabbed hamstring to rejoin the Orioles.

Manager Brandon Hyde said Hays should begin playing in games at the alternate training site in Bowie within the next few days.

"Hopefully, that goes well and we'll see him sometime shortly after that," Hyde said today on his Zoom call with the media.

Hays was placed on the 10-day injured list on April 5 with a strained right hamstring. He was 2-for-10 with two RBIs and four strikeouts before coming out of a game in Boston, the injury sustained while running out a double.

A dive back into second base on Cedric Mullins' bloop hit, which at first appeared to be caught, was the last on-field activity for Hays with the Orioles.

Games against the Nationals at the secondary site were canceled after Washington needed replacement players following a batch of positive tests for COVID-19. Other games will be scheduled before the minor league season begins May 4.

The Phillies also were deemed a potential opponent due to their close proximity.

Hays might have to settle for intrasquad and simulated games, which are being held in Bowie.

DJ Stewart is starting again in left field for Game 1 of the doubleheader. Ryan Mountcastle has moved back into the role of designated hitter with Hays unavailable.

Mullins, with a 13-game hitting streak dating to last September, has seized the job in center field. His 17 hits are tied with Boston's J.D. Martinez and Atlanta's Ronald Acuña Jr. for most in the majors.

Hyde let veteran John Means decide which game to start today and the left-hander chose the opener. Rookie Dean Kremer gets the nightcap.

Reliever Travis Lakins Sr. was recalled from the alternate site as the 27th man. The Mariners summoned infielder Donovan Walton.

For the Mariners
Mitch Haniger RF
Ty France 2B
Kyle Seager 3B
Luis Torrens DH
Dylan Moore LF
Tom Murphy C
Taylor Trammell CF
Evan White 1B
J.P. Crawford SS

Justus Sheffield LHP

Update: The alternate camp Orioles and Nationals are playing later this afternoon and again on Friday.