Gibson starting Tuesday night, injury updates, Pennington claimed and more

Orioles manager Brandon Hyde confirmed that veteran right-hander Kyle Gibson will start Tuesday night against the Yankees.

Gibson hasn’t pitched since April 20 at High-A Aberdeen. He experienced some back soreness but is feeling better.

The rotation could use a veteran hand steering it in the right direction. The unit’s 5.83 ERA is last in the American League and 28^th in the majors, and it includes opener Keegan Akin’s 1 2/3 scoreless innings in Game 2 of Saturday’s doubleheader in Detroit.  

Gibson hasn’t started for the Orioles since Sept. 30, 2023. He pitched three relief innings against the Rangers in the elimination game of the Division Series.

“I hope he can just bring a lot of things, honestly,” said manager Brandon Hyde. “I know one thing, he’s gonna compete every single time out and he’s one of the best teammate I’ve ever been around in a clubhouse. He pitched really well for us a couple years ago, had a nice year in St. Louis last year. He kept us in the game more times than not two years ago and was absolutely fantastic.

“Hope we get that version. I know we’re getting an unbelievable person and a human being and a real leader, and an adult in the room I think, which is great.”

Asked whether the Orioles need that “adult in the room” after losing six of their last seven games to tumble into last place in the division at 10-17, Hyde said, “I just think we need to start playing better baseball.”

“It’s been hard,” Hyde added. “We have a lot of talent, we have some guys that I feel like are really close to playing well. It’s been tough. I just read off our injury list. That has not been easy, with a lot of guys who have done a lot of good things in this game that are on that list and hoping they’ll be back soon. But just want to see us play good baseball.”

Gibson, infielder Emmanuel Rivera and catcher Maverick Handley are on the taxi squad.

Rivera is staying close in case the Orioles need to put infielder Jordan Westburg on the 10-day injured list with hamstring soreness. Westburg didn’t play yesterday and is out of tonight’s lineup.

“He’s day-to-day as of right now,” Hyde said. “We’re still doing some tests on him. He’s getting checked out. We’re staying optimistic and hopeful.”

Hyde provided a batch of injury updates before fielding his first question in his media session.

Kyle Bradish threw a bullpen session today and is “feeling good,” Hyde said. Zach Eflin has a bullpen session on Tuesday.

Adley Rutschman is catching tonight after sitting out yesterday’s game with a bruised and slightly swollen right hand.

“He is feeling better,” Hyde said.

Reliever Andrew Kittredge is nearing a rehab assignment. He’s throwing live batting practice on Wednesday.

Tyler Wells has a side session on Friday. Grayson Rodriguez isn’t throwing but he’s “progressing well,” Hyde said.

Outfielder Colton Cowser isn’t cleared for baseball activities while his fractured left thumb heals, “but he is doing much better, as well,” Hyde said.

The Orioles called up reliever Kade Strowd this afternoon and optioned left-hander Grant Wolfram to Triple-A Norfolk. Strowd, who was protected in the Rule 5 draft, is waiting to make his major league debut after his selection in the 12^th round of the 2019 draft out of West Virginia University.

Strowd allowed nine earned runs and 12 total with 14 hits in 10 innings with Norfolk. He struck out 18.

“It’s pretty good, I’m pretty happy, especially against the Yankees, you know?” he said. “It’s kind of cliché, but that’s the way I feel.

“My mom was my first call. I definitely didn’t see it coming but happy that the day came.”

The Orioles claimed left-handed reliever Walter Pennington off unconditional release waivers. The Rangers designated him for assignment last week.

Pennington, 27, accepted the assignment rather than choosing to become a free agent, according to multiple sources. He posted a 3.12 ERA in 15 games (one start) last year with the Rangers. He began the season with the Royals and didn't allow a run in two-thirds of an inning.

Pennington was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock to begin this season.

Former Orioles assistant general manager Scott Proefrock was named Aberdeen’s interim general manager.

Most recently, Proefrock was president of the New England Knockouts of the independent Frontier League. He also spent 13 seasons with the Phillies, where he served as interim and assistant general manager.

For the Yankees

Trent Grisham CF
Aaron Judge RF
Cody Bellinger LF
Paul Goldschmidt 1B
Jazz Chisholm Jr. 2B
Anthony Volpe SS
Austin Wells C
Jasson Domínguez DH
Oswald Peraza 3B

Will Warren RHP