Hays in left field and Stewart in right becoming familiar setup

The shifting of outfielders that was supposed to set into motion a shining example of the Orioles' depth at the position has settled into a more predictable pattern.

Cedric Mullins is the undisputed center fielder and leadoff hitter. Removing him requires a special set of circumstances.

Like rest, for instance.

Austin Hays has played left field, with DJ Stewart in right, in four of the last five games. An exception was made with Ryan McKenna in right field to provide an extra right-handed bat against Athletics left-hander Jesús Luzardo.

The April 21 lineup in Miami also veered because manager Brandon Hyde wanted to sit Mullins. Hays started in center and McKenna was in right.

Anthony Santander's trip to the injured list with a sprained ankle created an opportunity for Stewart in right. Hays has become a corner outfielder with Mullins tearing up major league pitching, and Hyde keeps using him in left.

"Austin Hays can play all three spots and he's very comfortable at all three," Hyde said yesterday via Zoom.

"When I play Ryan Mountcastle in the outfield, he'll be in left field. In the short term now with Santander out, I just wanted to keep DJ in right to give him everyday reps out there, instead of flip-flopping him back and forth. Played Ryan in left and DJ in right. I just wanted DJ to play one spot and that's why we went with that."

Hays can cover more ground, but Hyde sees similar arm strength - though he's described Hays' as "plus-plus." The Yankees would know, since he's thrown out two runners in the series.

"They both throw well, so either one can play right field," Hyde said. "I'm comfortable with Austin in all three spots. He's comfortable anywhere. I just kind of want to make it a little bit easier on DJ, playing one spot for a while."

McKenna was optioned after Monday night's game in order to get another infielder on the active roster with shortstop Freddy Galvis holding day-to-day status The Orioles technically are keeping their three-man bench, but Galvis is unavailable and last night's reserves consisted only of infielder Ramón Urías and catcher Pedro Severino.

Utility player Pat Valaika has replaced McKenna and probably won't be needed in the outfield unless there's some late-game maneuvering.

The Orioles chose Valaika over Richie Martin, who's expected to be the starting shortstop with Triple-A Norfolk on May 4. Martin got a late start in spring training after having a broken hamate bone removed from his left hand and he missed the 2020 season with a fractured bone in his right wrist.

He's played in a few games at the alternate training site, going 0-for-2 with a walk and two strikeouts Monday afternoon in Bowie after going 3-for-4 with a double and walk in the opener.

Fans campaigning on Twitter for Jahmai Jones were set up to be disappointed. He's a second baseman. Urías would have been the lone shortstop.

Rylan Bannon doesn't play shortstop, which also reduced his chances. Stevie Wilkerson isn't on the 40-man roster and the Orioles seem to prefer him at other infield positions.

Hyde is hoping that Galvis is available in the next few days, which could make for a quick return trip for his replacement - though day-to-day injuries are known to linger.

The Orioles will make another roster move this afternoon with Dean Kremer recalled from the alternate training site. Reliever Jay Flaa was optioned last night after tossing 1 1/3 scoreless innings and striking out Aaron Judge in his debut.

There wasn't an obvious choice beyond Flaa and that's good news for a team burned by its bullpen too many times in the past.

It's way too early to consider waiving Rule 5 pick Tyler Wells. Hyde is just picking his spots to use him and there haven't been many lopsided scores to invite the rookie into games.

Left-hander Tanner Scott has walked the bases loaded in his last two appearances, but the Orioles intend to ride it out, with Hyde offering a vote of confidence after Monday's game.

"I'm going to continue to throw (Scott) out there in big spots. I believe in the arm, I believe in the kid," he said.

"We believe in Tanner's ability. I think he's a back end, late inning with the lead type of guy, and he's got that kind of stuff and he's going to continue to get those experiences."

Hyde also believes in carrying two left-handed relievers. He won't let Paul Fry be the last southpaw standing.