Orioles updates on McKenna, Urías, Givens, Tate and more

Outfielder Ryan McKenna said he’s available to play this afternoon if the Orioles want to bring him off the bench.

McKenna underwent an MRI on his lower back that didn’t reveal any structural damage. He’s receiving treatment for soreness that began as the Orioles were finishing their trip in Atlanta.

“It seems to be nothing too crazy for concern,” he said. “I’m ready for today if they need me. Just got some sprint work in and it feels pretty good today.”

McKenna hasn’t batted since Monday. He was used as a defensive replacement the next two nights in the ninth inning but hasn’t played against the Pirates.

“I felt it more when I was coming back from that road trip,” he said. “I think I just let my body get a little too tight and it caused some pressure in places that I didn’t really like. Just trying to maintain mobility in some areas and I’ll be good to go.”

The soreness was noticeable a few days ago when McKenna tried to swing a bat or shag fly balls, and he notified the club.

“Just maintaining mobility I think is the biggest thing for me, and I’ll be fine,” he said.

McKenna had initial concerns that he was headed to the injured list.

“Just wanted to get some imaging and know exactly what’s going on, so nothing super crazy was not going to happen for long-term stuff,” he said. “We figured it all out and now it feels really good.”

The Orioles are down to 12 pitchers for the first time this season after optioning left-hander Nick Vespi and recalling infielder Joey Ortiz, who joined the 24-hour taxi squad yesterday with McKenna unavailable.

Another reliever could be added when the Orioles decide to activate Mychal Givens or Dillon Tate from the injured list. They’re pitching Tuesday at Triple-A Norfolk and the club will reevaluate them.

Manager Brandon Hyde said he’s unsure how long the Orioles will stay with 12 pitchers.

“One of the better moments of our season so far is how healthy we are in our bullpen, and our starters have done an amazing job with that these last six, seven games,” Hyde said. “That could change really quickly, as we all know.”

Hyde said infielder Ramón Urías hit in the cage today and the hamstring is “much improved.”

“He’s getting better every day,” Hyde said.

Adley Rutschman and Jorge Mateo are getting rest days. Rutschman has appeared in every game and remains a late-inning possibility off the bench.

“I would love the one time that we have a nine-run lead on the day he doesn’t play,” Hyde said.

“Ever since he’s got here, it feels like there’s a lot of times the days he sits, there’s a big spot to hit and I’ve got Adley Rutschman standing over there with a bat. It’s hard not to put him in. I would love to stay away from him as much as I can. He’s caught a lot, we’ve got three right-handers in a row against the Angels coming up, (Shohei) Ohtani, etc. He’s going to catch five or six games this week, so you try to have him get a breather if we can.

“He likes to play. He’s ready, there’s no doubt, and he understands the situation. He’s obviously a great option to hit in a huge spot, and never looked at him and him give me a look like, ‘I’m not really feeling this one today.’ He always seems ready.”

Hyde tracked last night’s game at his hotel after attending daughter Aria’s graduation at Syracuse University. He hopped on a 6 a.m. flight this morning.

“The two hour, four minute game is the one I missed,” he said, laughing. “The seven-inning starter, (Yennier) Cano, (Félix) Bautista. I was holding on tight, and when (Anthony) Santander made the catch, I clapped in my hotel room.  

“It’s really weird watching the game not being in the dugout and not being here. It was a strange feeling, but definitely was watching, and our guys did a great job. That was the best Tyler Wells, for me, has pitched in his career here. Just the command that he showed.”

Cano is available today, but Bautista has pitched on back-to-back nights and won’t be used.

For the Pirates
Andrew McCutchen DH
Bryan Reynolds LF
Carlos Santana 1B
Jack Suwinski CF
Ke’Bryan Hayes 3B
Tucupita Marcano SS
Ji Hwan Bae 2B
Josh Palacios RF
Austin Hedges C

Mitch Keller RHP