Hays returns to Orioles lineup today vs. Pirates

PITTSBURGH – Austin Hays is in today’s Orioles lineup at PNC Park, playing left field and batting sixth.

Hays began yesterday’s game on the bench because of an illness but batted twice, striking out as a pinch-hitter in the seventh and grounding out in the eighth. He’s 2-for-20.

James McCann is catching and Adley Rutschman is the designated hitter. Jordan Westburg is playing third base, moving Ramón Urías to the bench.

Tyler Wells allowed three earned runs and four total in six innings against the Angels in his first start. He walked none and struck out seven.

Wells faced the Pirates on May 13, 2023 in Baltimore and tossed seven scoreless innings with one hit allowed and eight strikeouts.

The Orioles have allowed four runs or fewer in their first seven games to tie the 2002 team for longest streak in club history.

Craig Kimbrel recorded his 418^th career save yesterday and his first with the Orioles.

Per the Elias Sports Bureau, Kimbrel is the eighth pitcher to notch a save with eight or more teams, joining Octavio Dotel, Goose Gossage, Fernando Rodney, Tyler Clippard, Mark Melancon, LaTroy Hawkins and Lee Smith.

John Means is making his second rehab start tonight for Triple-A Norfolk.

Pirates left-hander Bailey Falter surrendered six runs in four innings Sunday in Miami. He’s faced the Orioles once in his career in 2021 and tossed a scoreless inning in relief.

McCann is 0-for-2 against Falter and Tony Kemp is 0-for-1.

For the Orioles

Gunnar Henderson SS
Adley Rutschman DH
Ryan Mountcastle 1B
Anthony Santander RF
Jordan Westburg 3B
Austin Hays LF
Cedric Mullins CF
James McCann C
Jorge Mateo 2B

Tyler Wells RHP

For the Pirates

Oneil Cruz SS
Bryan Reynolds LF
Connor Joe RF
Jack Suwinski CF
Edward Olivares DH
Rowdy Tellez 1B
Jared Triolo 3B
Joey Bart C
Alika Williams 2B

Bailey Falter LHP