Pregame updates on Jorge López, Bautista, Mountcastle, Means, Santander and more

PHOENIX -  Orioles manager Brandon Hyde is still not ready to pass on what the next steps will be for injured closer Félix Bautista. Bautista, who has a 1.48 ERA with 33 saves, made the 2023 All-Star team, but went on the 15-day injured list Aug. 26 with a right UCL injury. The next steps – and what they will look like – may not be completely formulated yet.

Hyde was asked today if it’s possible Bautista can pitch again this season. 

“Well, we are waiting for the inflammation to go down honestly, before we kind of reassess and do anything else. We are letting the inflammation die down and then we are going to make some decisions after that," the manager said. 

As to when that inflammation will lessen is not a question Hyde can answer right now.

“That would be a medical question," he said. "Not really sure, it’s been a while now. Think we are waiting a few more days.”

And that could lead to further tests for Bautista, when the inflammation is completely resolved.

“I think potentially more (testing) could happen later, but you know we got the MRI already. When you have an injury, there is obviously going to be swelling and things, and we’re just waiting for that to die down before we make any decisions," Hyde said. 

Ryan Mountcastle, who missed the last two games while ill, is back in the O’s lineup today, batting fourth at first base. Is Hyde confident that Mountcastle is fine and will now stay in the lineup?

“I hope so. He’s taking ground balls right now,” he said before the game. “Said he feels a lot better today. That was great. Talked to him after the game last night and he was available off the bench last night. Didn’t use him. But feels a lot better today and he’s in there.”

The Orioles dodged a bullet with outfielder Anthony Santander, who was hit by a pitch on the right hand in the ninth inning last night. He’s in the lineup today as the DH batting third.

“Never want to see a guy get hit there,” said Hyde. “I don’t want to see anyone get hit anywhere right now to be honest with you. Makes me nervous. So, whenever it’s a hand situation and there are so many bones in the hand and not much protection, you hope for the best. We definitely dodged a bullet there.”

Hyde said lefty John Means will make another start for Triple-A Norfolk. Means threw five scoreless innings on one hit Thursday for Norfolk, and has allowed just one run in 9 1/3 in two outings for Norfolk as part of the five games he has pitched in the minors on rehab.

Jorge López reported to the team today and was activated.

“I definitely want to get him on the mound as soon as possible. Kind of get him going,” said Hyde. “He hasn’t pitched in a few days (since Aug. 29). We’ve always loved Lopey’s stuff. He was an All-Star for us last year. Like to get him out there as soon as I can.”

López obviously clicked with the O’s pitching staff and pitching program. Can the club quickly recapture that?

“We’ll see, we don’t have much time left," said Hyde. “We really believe in his stuff. For me, he was one of the more dominating relievers that first half, what he did. I was tough on him too, threw him into all kinds of situations. He was amazing for us. I’m hoping the comfort level he has with me and the coaching staff and the team, he seems really excited to be here.”

The Orioles activated López today and also activated outfielder Aaron Hicks off the IL. Colton Cowser was optioned to Triple-A and right-hander Austin Voth was designated for assignment.

"It’s an unfortunate part of this game," said Hyde. "Austin has done a lot of really good things for us the last couple of years. But we feel this move is important to us to improve our bullpen. Hopefully he stays in the organization, but saying goodbye to somebody that has done a lot of good things for you is never easy."

López on return to Orioles: López will try to recapture the form he showed with the 2022 Orioles when he made the American League All-Star team and pitched to an ERA of 1.68 in 44 games. On Aug. 2, 2022 he was sent to Minnesota in a trade for four pitchers, including Yennier Cano.

López has struggled this season, pitching to a 6-2 record and 6.13 ERA in 49 games and 47 innings between Minnesota. The Twins traded him to the Marlins July 26, but his ERA was 9.26 in 12 games with the Marlins. And in his last five games with Miami, he gave up nine runs and 12 hits over 4 2/3 innings. His last game was Aug. 29, when he allowed three runs over two innings.

“I was excited for sure," he said when he heard he was an Oriole again. "From a family standpoint, my mom was more excited for me for sure. This is an opportunity again. As a player having had some struggles, a roller coaster at times this year. But there's always been a strong mentally. To come here and see the guys doing a good job pitching-wise gets me really pumped.  

“Grateful to get this job and really excited to be where I’ve had success. That is what I’m looking for. From two years, this team losing 100 games to last year getting better and this year much better, grateful to be here again.”

López was asked what allowed him to thrive with the Orioles?

“I became a new guy when I got here. I let myself be open to biomechanics, sequencing of pitches. It is something (to where) I changed everything. I feel like they can help me, and with the analytics to get these last couple of weeks really strong," the reliever said.