Vespi survives latest bullpen shakeup

Nick Vespi flipped through his memory cards yesterday and couldn’t find the last date that he pitched three innings in a game. Didn’t know the year or the level. Just that it happened.

Vespi guessed that he was a starter in A ball. Don’t quote him on it. Just seemed to make the most sense.

Researching the topic at his locker wasn’t an option or an interest. Leave it to the professionals.

Prior to tossing three innings in his final appearance with Triple-A Norfolk on June 24 in Nashville, and under special circumstances, Vespi hadn’t reached that total since May 4, 2021 with Double-A Bowie in Altoona.

So, not A ball. But it’s a rarity in his relief days.

In Vespi’s first game with Single-A Delmarva in 2019, he came out of the bullpen and covered four innings April 9 at Kannapolis. He allowed only one run and two hits.

The Shorebirds put Vespi into the rotation on April 14 and he allowed five runs and six hits in four innings. He’d impress two starts later with only an unearned run and one hit in five innings.

The Orioles don’t need Vespi to become a starter again. They don’t necessarily need another one-inning guy in the ‘pen.

What they wanted from Vespi Friday night was length, and he responded with three scoreless innings in an 8-1 loss to the Twins at Camden Yards.

The Tides prepared Vespi for the assignment by pushing him in his last appearance, but the game carried into the 11^th. Followed by a bullpen day that would further tax the group.

It wasn’t part of a master plan to stretch him out.

“Everything happens for a reason,” he said. “It prepared me for the moment (Friday), so I’m happy about it.

“I honestly can’t remember the last time I went three innings, but it feels great. I’ll take as many innings as I can get, especially when you’re throwing well. Keep it going. It was fun.”

Vespi would settle for three batters, or one to finish an inning, after the Orioles recalled him twice and didn’t use him.

“It’s great,” he said. “Any opportunity to get to pitch at this level is a good opportunity, so I was excited when I heard my name called. It was good.”

A reliever’s value tends to increase if he can cover multiple innings. The Orioles have setup man Yennier Cano and closer Félix Bautista at the back end of the bullpen. They want shorter spurts from Mike Baumann.

Bryan Baker has exceeded one inning in only four of his 36 appearances, Cionel Pérez in eight of 32. Manager Brandon Hyde has used Danny Coulombe for more than an inning in only three of 35 appearances.

Never his preference, but dictated by game situations and availability of other relievers.

“If it is (valued), I’ll keep going three innings,” Vespi said. “Whatever it takes.”

Baseball tends to punish pitchers unfairly. Save the rest of the ‘pen by covering three innings and be swapped out following day for a fresh arm. Happens all the time.

Not to Vespi this weekend. The Orioles kept him and optioned Bruce Zimmermann.

“There’s always that chance of it happening,” Vespi said, “but I was just focused on my opportunities out on that mound to help this team win, and whatever else happens, happens, and I’ll just wait for my next opportunity.”

* The Twins yesterday posted their first 1-0 win over the Orioles since Oct. 2, 1966 at Memorial Stadium.

The Orioles have lost four games in a row, their longest streak of the season. They're in danger of being swept for the first time since May 13-15, 2022 in Detroit.

Adley Rutschman had his 12th infield hit of the season. Toronto's Alejandro Kirk led primary catchers last year with 15.

* Ryan Mountcastle returned to Norfolk's lineup last night, serving as designated hitter and going 4-for-5.

Garrett Stallings allowed one run and four hits with no walks and nine strikeouts in six innings.

Outfielder Colton Cowser didn't play.

During a MASN interview yesterday, executive vice president/general manager Mike Elias said that Cowser is "ready for a phone call."

"I think it depends on the circumstances at the major league level," Elias said.