Bowman starting tonight, Orioles option Baker to spring complex

MINNEAPOLIS – The Orioles are going with Matt Bowman as an opener for tonight’s game against the Twins at Target Field.

Bowman has made 210 appearances in the majors with zero starts. He’s started 71 games in the minors, most recently with Triple-A Las Vegas in 2015.

Bowman has registered a 3.77 ERA and 1.395 WHIP in 14 games this season. He’s allowed five runs and six hits in his last two appearances over 1 1/3 innings, surrendering a three-run homer to Aaron Judge and a solo shot to Alex Verdugo.

The Orioles selected left-hander Tucker Davidson’s contract from Triple-A Norfolk earlier today and he could provide bulk relief behind Bowman. He’s wearing No. 67.

Reliever Bryan Baker was optioned to the spring training complex, leaving him ineligible for the Wild Card and Division Series.

Davidson, 28, appeared in 18 games with the Angels and 20 with the Royals last season, posting a combined 5.96 ERA and 1.617 WHIP in 51 1/3 innings. The Orioles claimed him off waivers in October and he went 5-11 with a 3.89 ERA and 1.340 WHIP in 32 games – including 17 starts – with Norfolk.

Davidson started Game 5 of the 2021 World Series with the Braves. He replaced Charlie Morton, who fractured his fibula, and allowed four runs  (two earned) in two innings.

The Orioles haven’t announced a Sunday starter after clinching the home Wild Card last night and more moves could be coming. Bowman is trying to make the playoff roster, with the final spot possibly coming down to the right-hander or rookie Cade Povich.

Albert Suárez would have started tonight if the game mattered. Dean Kremer’s turn is Sunday but he also could be held back.

A victory today or Sunday gives the Orioles back-to-back 90-win seasons for the first time since 1982-83.

The Twins are starting rookie right-hander Zebby Matthews, an eighth-round pick in the 2022 draft out of Western Carolina. Matthews has made eight starts and posted a 5.71 ERA and 1.500 WHIP with 38 strikeouts in 34 2/3 innings.

Matthews joined the rotation Aug. 13. He hasn’t lasted more than five innings, but he’s held opponents to two earned runs or fewer in five games.

His numbers took a big hit on Aug. 31 when he faced the Blue Jays and allowed nine runs and 10 hits, including three homers, in two innings.

Left-handers are batting .325/.385/.627 against Matthews, whose given name is Daniel Zebulon. Right-handers are hitting .262/.284/.415.

Tonight’s game airs exclusively on FOX.

The Orioles have won eight consecutive games against the Twins, tying their second-longest streak. They won 12 in a row from 1980-81.