Pregame notes on Davis and Bleier, Means on getting another start

MINNEAPOLIS - After missing Wednesday's game in Baltimore due to personal reasons, Chris Davis rejoined the Orioles in Minnesota Friday. But he did not get the start against left-hander Martín Pérez. Davis is batting seventh and playing first base today against right-hander José Berríos. This is all part of a plan by manager Brandon Hyde to put Davis in the best spots to get his bat going.

And it is starting to work. Over his last eight games, Davis is batting .360 (9-for-25) with three doubles, two homers and eight RBIs.

"Trying to do what is best for Chris a majority of the time," said Hyde. "Love having him in the lineup but there are certain times where there is a better matchup. I was ready to use him off the bench last night if the game got to a point. He was going to hit. The days he is not starting, he can still impact the game with a pinch hit, and I love his defense at first base. I'm trying to put Chris in a position to have success. We talk daily and after every game. So yesterday was one of those days I wanted to give him another breather, and he's back in there today."

Hyde had a brief update on lefty Richard Bleier, who is on the injured list with left shoulder tendinitis.

"Rich threw yesterday (at extended spring training) or the day before. Velo was up. Had a clean inning and ... yeah, so good news from Rich," he said.

Hyde said he did not have any information yet on Double-A Bowie outfielder Yusniel Diaz, who went on the seven-day minor league injured list Friday.

Hyde talked again about right-hander David Hess, who is, at least temporarily, moving to the bullpen. Hess pitched in relief and threw two scoreless innings on March 28, which was opening day at Yankee Stadium. He fanned two and walked two, throwing 42 pitches. His average velocity in that game was a season-high 94.4 mph.

"He's 93, 95. That day in New York, he was 96," he said. "When you have that kind of arm and you know it's a short sprint, sometimes your stuff can tick up a little bit. We'll see. I like David's arm. I think David has a chance to be a good big league pitcher in whatever he's going to be. I think he's still a starter in my eyes right now, and he'll make a lot of starts here as we go forward."

The Orioles will use John Means, Andrew Cashner and Alex Cobb - in that order - Monday through Wednesday in their rotation against the White Sox in Chicago.

Means, of course, is excited to stay in the rotation. He's 3-2 with a 1.74 ERA over seven games and three starts.

"Definitely excitement," Means said. "Didn't really change my mentality. I'm going to go out there and keep doing what I'm doing. Broc (pitching coach Doug Brocail) came up to me and said, 'We got we wanted and we've got you in the rotation.' So yeah, excited."

Just what has been the key for Means and his great start to the year?

"Just pitching and learning and being around the older guys that we have. Just keep soaking up all the knowledge they provide. Been going out every day and not getting rattled and not letting anything get to me. Just keep pitching," he added.