Notes on Orioles rotation, Kremer and more

Dean Kremer throw orange spring away

BOSTON – The Orioles are waiting until Tuesday morning to announce their starter for the series opener against the Mariners at Camden Yards. Kyle Bradish starts Wednesday, followed by Jordan Lyles on Thursday in his 300th career game.

A pitcher could come up from Triple-A Norfolk or manager Brandon Hyde goes with another bullpen game to piece together nine innings.

The Tides are off tonight and list DL Hall as Tuesday’s starter.

Grayson Rodriguez isn't going to be promoted to work on short rest.

Left-hander Zac Lowther would be on normal rest if the Orioles summoned him, he’s on the 40-man roster and he held Gwinnett to two runs over five innings in his last appearance. However, he’s sporting a 6.67 ERA and 1.652 WHIP in 10 games and is averaging almost four walks per nine innings.

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Orioles lineup vs. Red Sox

Ryan McKenna Austin Hays jump black road

BOSTON – The Orioles still can claim the five-game series against the Red Sox with a victory tonight that concludes their homestand.

The teams have split the first four games, with the Red Sox cruising yesterday to a 12-2 win.

“We just need to let this one go,” said manager Brandon Hyde. “We’ve been playing good baseball, we’ve played competitively this entire trip.”

Cedric Mullins begins tonight’s game on the bench, with Ryan McKenna in center field.

Austin Hays is leading off and playing right field. Anthony Santander is in left field and batting cleanup.

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Three nagging questions about the Orioles

akin-pitching-gray

BOSTON - With years spent dumping out my mailbag, making snow angels with the contents, reading the questions and spending way too much time searching for movie sequel titles that I haven’t already used, I’d like to switch it up and provide some inquiries of my own.

See how the other half lives.

Nothing about timelines for major league promotions, players to be named later or casseroles. And especially not casseroles to be named later.

Sorry to bore you.

And I’m limiting myself to only three off the top of my head.

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Zimmermann surrenders five home runs in lopsided loss (updated)

Zimmermann surrenders five home runs in lopsided loss (updated)

BOSTON – Bruce Zimmermann spun on the mound again, the sound of the contact telling him where the ball was going to land. He watched anyway. And then he needed to figure out quickly how to eliminate the mistakes and hope the Orioles had more rallies inside of them.

He couldn’t, and they didn’t.

Bobby Dalbec hit a two-run homer in the second inning, and Franchy Cordero drove a slider 448 feet into the center field bleachers before Zimmermann recorded the last out. And a bump turned into a mountain.

Rafael Devers led off the third with a 434-foot shot to right-center, the ball leaving his bat at 110.7 mph, Christian Arroyo and Kiké Hernandez cleared the Green Monster in the fourth, and the Red Sox rolled past the Orioles 12-2 at sun-splashed Fenway Park.

Zimmermann surrendered one home run in his first six starts, but opponents have hit nine in his last two and 12 in his last four.

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Pregame notes on Vavra, Diaz, Hays, Mountcastle and more

Pregame notes on Vavra, Diaz, Hays, Mountcastle and more

BOSTON – Orioles minor league infielder Terrin Vavra has recovered from a hamstring injury and is completing his work at extended spring training.

His next stop is High-A Aberdeen to begin a rehab assignment that eventually will bring him back to Triple-A Norfolk.

Vavra, the No. 14 prospect in the organization per MLBPipeline.com, appeared in 13 games with the Tides and batted .327/.436/.423 with three doubles and a triple in 63 plate appearances.

Outfielder Yusniel Diaz is much farther away from returning to Norfolk.

Diaz injured his hamstring again and hasn’t appeared in a game since May 13. He’s in a progression with the team’s rehab crew in Sarasota, Fla.

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Orioles lineup vs. Red Sox

Zimmermann throwing gray

BOSTON – Left-hander Bruce Zimmermann is on the mound today as the Orioles try to guarantee a series win at Fenway Park.

The Orioles have won two of the first three games. The series concludes Monday night.

Zimmermann has a 3.78 ERA and 1.217 WHIP in nine starts. He surrendered one home run in his first six, but has allowed seven in his last three games.

Adley Rutschman is the designated hitter after catching last night. He’s 5-for-28 (.179) with a triple in seven games.

Trey Mancini is in left field and Austin Hays is on the bench.

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Santander walking away from impatient past

Anthony Santander swing black road

BOSTON – The question comes at Anthony Santander in English, he smiles and raises both arms in mock triumph.

Santander doesn’t really need the team interpreter, Brandon Quinones, but keeps him close to pass along the responses. Never to relay the question unless it gets real complicated.

This one was easy yesterday morning. Santander nailed it less than halfway through.

“You drew your 23rd walk, which ties your total …”

And so begins the humorous celebration at his locker.

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Odor homers again and Reyes combines with 'pen for Game 2 win (updated)

Odor homers again and Reyes combines with 'pen for Game 2 win (updated)

BOSTON – Denyi Reyes went from a modest signing back in November, a minor league contract that barely drew notice, to his first major league start tonight. Against the team that let him go as a free agent.

These stories can swerve in any direction. A tale of redemption or bitter disappointment.

Reyes had some fun with it, neither vindictive nor victorious.

Jorge López had his own family story and it produced a beautiful chapter, his 9-year-old son Mikael able to watch him pitch, to record a four-out save. 

The night couldn't have gone any better.

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Orioles and Red Sox lineups for Game 2

Orioles and Red Sox lineups for Game 2

BOSTON – Ryan McKenna is in left field tonight for Game 2, whenever it’s able to begin.

The rain is much lighter now, but it's still coming down and there’s more in the forecast.

Adley Rutschman is catching and batting fifth behind first baseman Ryan Mountcastle. Austin Hays is in right field and Anthony Santander is the designated hitter.

Trey Mancini is one of the reserves.

The Orioles are 2-3 on their road trip and 7-17 away from home this season.

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Orioles battle back to tie but can't win Game 1 (updated)

lyles delivers fenway black

BOSTON – Alex Verdugo took a few steps toward the historic left field wall, waited for the ball to slam against the base of the light tower and heaved his glove in the air, hoping to knock it down upon its return to the field. A signature move on the playground.

Catcher Robinson Chirinos’ two-run homer tied the game in the fifth inning, the eighth ball hit by the Orioles against Nathan Eovaldi with an exit velocity of 100 mph or more.

Would the Orioles rush past the Red Sox, as they did last night by scoring 10 runs in the final three innings? Today’s comeback attempt in the opening game of a doubleheader didn’t cover nearly as much ground. They didn’t trail twice by six.

They didn’t ride the momentum, if there’s such a thing, to another win.

Bobby Dalbec’s first career pinch-hit home run broke the tie in the sixth, the Red Sox tacked on an insurance run in the seventh, and Eovaldi went the distance in a 5-3 victory at Fenway Park.

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Orioles DFA Jahmai Jones, Cody Sedlock poised for debut

Orioles DFA Jahmai Jones, Cody Sedlock poised for debut

BOSTON – The Orioles designated infielder Jahmai Jones for assignment this morning to create room on the 40-man roster for pitcher Cody Sedlock, whose contract they selected from Triple-A Norfolk.

Sedlock is in the bullpen for today's doubleheader. Jones is in limbo a day after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

Jones was acquired from the Angels on Feb. 2, 2021 for starter Alex Cobb. He appeared in 26 games last season and went 10-for-67 (.149) with a .402 OPS.

Reliever Beau Sulser was optioned after allowing two runs and seven hits last night in three innings. Denyi Reyes is the 27th man for the doubleheader after the Orioles recalled him, and manager Brandon Hyde said the right-hander probably will start the nightcap.

The plan would change if Reyes, set for his first major league start and second appearance, is needed in relief for the opener.

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Sedlock joins Orioles bullpen for today's doubleheader

Sedlock joins Orioles bullpen for today's doubleheader

BOSTON – The Orioles will begin a day-night doubleheader today at Fenway Park with veteran Jordan Lyles starting the opening game and apparently finish it with Denyi Reyes in the nightcap.

Reyes hasn’t been announced, but the Orioles selected the contract of former first-round draft pick Cody Sedlock from Triple-A Norfolk this morning and he’s in the bullpen.

Beau Sulser isn’t listed among the relievers.

A 40-man roster move is coming to accommodate Sedlock, who leaves the taxi squad and awaits his major league debut.

Reyes would be making his first major league start and only his second appearance. He tossed two scoreless and hitless relief innings on May 13 in Detroit.

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Orioles rally for 10 runs in final three innings in 12-8 win (updated)

Orioles rally for 10 runs in final three innings in 12-8 win (updated)

BOSTON – The major league education of Orioles rookie Kyle Bradish was bound to bring some hard lessons. No matter how much he earned his promotion. No matter how many Triple-A batters couldn’t touch him.

There’s no substitute for pitching in the American League East. Just as it's hard to match the thrill of a completed rally against one of its hottest teams.

Four of Bradish’s six starts have come within the division, and what’s supposed to constitute a break of sorts are games against the first-place Twins and the Cardinals in St. Louis.

The Red Sox saw Bradish for a second time tonight and handled him in an aggressive manner, scoring six runs in 1 2/3 innings. But the Orioles also showed him the value in pitching for a team that won’t let up. That stays engaged in the dugout and treats deficits like minor inconveniences.

The Orioles scored three runs in the seventh and eighth innings to tie the game and four more in the ninth to post a stunning 12-8 win at Fenway Park - their 11th comeback win of the year.

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Notes on taxi squad, Saturday starters, Watkins, Jones and Mateo

Brandon Hyde pointing black away

BOSTON – The Orioles brought a small taxi squad to Boston for the five-game series, and it could provide a clue to the identity of Saturday’s starter.

Right-handers Denyi Reyes and Cody Sedlock reported to Fenway Park, along with catcher Cody Roberts.

Reyes is on the 40-man roster and could start one of the doubleheader games. Sedlock is a non-roster pitcher who became a candidate simply by making the trip.

Sedlock was supposed to start Thursday at Triple-A Norfolk until a rainout the previous day pushed DL Hall into a doubleheader with Zac Lowther. Grayson Rodriguez is pitching tonight for the Tides.

The Orioles selected Sedlock with the 27th overall pick in the 2016 draft out of the University of Illinois, and he’s waiting to make his major league debut. He has a 5.83 ERA and 1.466 WHIP in eight games (four starts) this season, with 35 strikeouts in 29 1/3 innings.

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Jones undergoes elbow surgery (plus lineup and notes)

Jahmai Jones throwing white

BOSTON – Infielder Jahmai Jones underwent Tommy John surgery today on his right elbow and is done playing for the 2022 season.

Jones, 24, was batting .212/.339/.343 with five doubles, one triple, two home runs and seven RBIs in 27 games with Triple-A Norfolk.

The Orioles acquired Jones from the Angels on Feb. 2, 2021 for starter Alex Cobb. He returned to the majors on Aug. 24, appeared in 26 games and went 10-for-67 (.149).

Dr. Timothy Kremcheck performed the surgery in Cincinnati. 

The Orioles begin a five-game series tonight at Fenway Park with Kyle Bradish facing the team that provided the opposition for his major league debut.

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Because You Asked - Baby Geniuses 2

Grayson

The Orioles spent their off day in Boston. I can think of much worse places to do it.

For example, the bottom of my mailbag. It’s cramped, the airflow is restricted, and I can’t imagine that the odor is pleasing.

I empty it. I don’t clean it.

You ask a lot of questions and I respond to as many as I can. Many are set on repeat. I try to stay consistent in my answers, but there are limits, which is why this sequel exists.

It also fills space, perhaps its finest quality.

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Orioles can't put away Yankees in series finale (updated)

odor w hays dugout gray

NEW YORK – Tyler Wells had two strikes on Aaron Judge tonight leading off the fourth inning, and his ninth pitch turned into a double on a ball that hopped the left field fence. Gleyber Torres fell behind 0-2 and singled. The count was 2-2 to Miguel Andújar when he lined a run-scoring single into left-center to break a scoreless tie.

The four solo home runs surrendered last night by Bruce Zimmermann were hit after he got within a strike of facing a new batter. Jose Trevino’s walk-off single in the 11th inning came on a 1-2 offering from Bryan Baker, after Isiah Kiner-Falefa was down 0-2 and battled back to deliver a game-tying single.

An inability to put away certain Yankee hitters diminished the Orioles’ chances of winning the series.

Running out of rallies tonight, the Orioles were blanked in the Bronx, 2-0, to conclude the first half of their road trip. The offense went cold, with Yankees pitching retiring 14 of 15 batters before Trey Mancini walked in the eighth.

Adley Rutschman singled twice for two of the Orioles' five hits.

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Orioles no longer perfect in extra innings (updated)

zimmermann @NYY gray

NEW YORK – Bruce Zimmermann wasn’t going to pitch around Aaron Judge tonight after Aaron Hicks led off the bottom of the first inning with an infield hit. Zimmermann pretty much emptied the bag, showing Judge his curveball, changeup, fastball and slider while running the count full and getting a groundball double play.

Anthony Rizzo came up next and homered into the second deck in right field.

Win some, surrender plenty.

Jose Trevino homered into the visiting bullpen in the third inning and Gleyber Torres found the seats in left with two outs in the fourth, and again with one out in the seventh. Judge cut the Orioles a break tonight, halting the constant torment, but Zimmermann lost other battles.

The Orioles eventually lost the game, the first beyond regulation after four successes.

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Chirinos transitions into mentor role with Rutschman

chirinos glove detail

NEW YORK – Adley Rutschman sat at his locker this afternoon with his head bowed and his eyes fixed on a tablet. Robinson Chirinos approached Rutschman, his own tablet in hand, and said a few words to the rookie before they walked out the door for a pregame meeting.

Chirinos is no longer the starting catcher for the Orioles, but he's able to contribute on a nightly basis – whether he’s in the lineup or Rutschman’s ear.

“Robby’s a player, but he really could be a coach,” said manager Brandon Hyde. “His baseball intellect, he’s just so smart when it comes to the game and understands hitters and pitchers. A lot of valuable years, a lot of experience. So, to have Adley be able to work with him on a daily basis, talk to him, have his locker next to him, that’s really, really important. I know Adley’s very appreciative of Robby, as well. He’s got a good thing going there.”

Chirinos agreed to a deal in March worth a guaranteed $900,000 knowing that there would be a transition. Understanding how his role would change.

Perfectly aware that Rutschman wasn’t spending 2022 in the minors.

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Orioles hit the road and deliver blows in calmer fashion (updated)

Jordan Lyles throwing gray

NEW YORK - A road series prohibits the Orioles from adding to the five walk-off wins that lead the majors and match their total from last season. They’re willing to ditch the dramatics. They’d like to take an early lead and coast. Slow the heart rate a little.

There’s also no rule against rallying on the road, though the Yankees make it harder by blinding opponents while flashing baseball’s best record.

The Orioles scored four runs off Gerrit Cole in the third inning to battle back from an early deficit, Aaron Judge brought his usual torment by homering twice off Jordan Lyles and tying the game in the fifth, and Ramón Urías responded with an opposite-field shot in the sixth.

A bullpen that ran on fumes over the weekend and needed fuel registered important outs behind Lyles, and the Orioles defeated the Yankees 6-4.

Félix Bautista stranded two runners in the seventh and retired the side in order in the eighth. Jorge López handled the save responsibilities, and the Orioles won for the fourth time in five games.  

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