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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 27^th 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.  

NEW YORK – Spenser Watkins is on the 15-day injured list with a bruise at the top of his right forearm, forcing a weekend change in the Orioles rotation.

Manager Brandon Hyde needs two starters for Saturday’s doubleheader in Boston. Watkins no longer is an option for either game.

“It’s pretty sore,” said Watkins, who faced only three batters and left after Ji-Man Choi’s line drive struck his arm. “We’ve got a great training staff here that put me through the ringer so far, so it’s feeling a little bit better but still stiff, as you would assume.

“I didn’t really know what the move was going to be. They didn’t really give an inclination one way or the other. But they’re going to make the best move for the team and go from there.”

The Orioles don’t know if Watkins will be ready after 15 days.

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.

The patience that executive vice president/general manager Mike Elias keeps preaching through the rebuild process, from number of wins at the major league level on down to the development of prospects, paused yesterday at Gunnar Henderson.

Henderson doubled yesterday at Double-A Bowie, walked twice, scored two runs and raised his average to .291 with a .988 OPS.

His age also is going to increase. He turns 21 next month.

Just a teenager when the Orioles selected him in the second round of the 2019 draft out of John T. Morgan Academy in Selma, Ala. They grow up so fast.

But there’s only one acceptable pace for the Orioles in player development.

The Orioles won’t rush a prospect to the majors, in terms of how they dictate the pace, just to fulfill an unexpected and ill-timed need on the major league roster. They’re adamant about it. There’s no gray area in black and orange besides the uniform.

They might need to do something about their rotation after Spenser Watkins threw 13 pitches today and was drilled on the right arm by a 106-mph line drive from Tampa Bay’s Ji-Man Choi.

Watkins spun off the mound as third baseman Ramón Urías retrieved the ball, glanced home and threw late to first base. All three batters reached against Watkins, whose ouster forced Joey Krehbiel into a game that the Orioles rallied to tie with two outs in the ninth, just as a storm hit and halted play after three hours, 52 minutes.

It resumed following a 51-minute delay, Cionel Pérez tossed two scoreless innings, leaving the bases loaded in the top of the 11th, and Choi whiffed on Rougned Odor’s chopper to first base that scored automatic runner Adley Rutschman and gave the Orioles a 7-6 victory before an announced crowd of 23,778 to close out the homestand.

Chris Owings laid down a sacrifice bunt before Odor batted, and the Orioles had their third walk-off win in four days. Rutschman had his first major league run, with the play scored a fielder's choice and no error.

Adley Rutschman will have two home games on his major league resume before the Orioles hit the road again, his debut coming last night in front of an enthusiastic crowd that reacted to his every movement.

Rutschman will catch again Monday night in the Bronx after serving as designated hitter today. There was speculation that he might have his contract selected on the trip.

“It was tricky timing-wise,” executive vice president/general manager Mike Elias said this morning while sitting in the dugout. “We wanted to get him up as soon as possible. I think we had hopes that he would break with the team in Sarasota. We had a very ill-timed injury. With it being on his throwing arm and him missing the entirety of spring training, it was not something we could rush. And so there was a very careful rehab process in Sarasota and then an equally careful workload and at-bat buildup in the lower minors, mid-minors, and then eventually Norfolk.

“Luckily, he seemed to hit the ground running from a hitting perspective, didn’t get a lot of indications that his timing was off from anything that he did at any of the three levels, and it was really just more about kind of building up the catching to ultimately checking the box of doing three days in a row, which is something that, if he had a normal spring training, (manager) Brandon Hyde is doing back-to-backs with the catchers, and Adley just missed all that. So, once that box was checked, we figured it was a live ball and then looking at the schedule, Yankee Stadium didn’t seem like a great option for a debut.

“It just seemed like he was ready and this weekend made the most sense. And now he will get the experience of going to play in Yankee Stadium and Fenway Park, which is cool for him, because that’s life in the AL East, then come back for a nice homestand around Memorial Day. So, I think the timing worked out as well as it could have given that we were constrained by his injury.”