Hess recalled to start tonight in San Diego

David Hess is getting another chance in the Orioles rotation. For however long it lasts.

Hess has been recalled from Triple-A Norfolk to start tonight's series opener against the Padres in San Diego. Reliever Evan Phillips was optioned to create room on the 25-man roster.

The Orioles needed someone to replace rookie John Means, who's on the 10-day injured list with a left biceps strain.

The decision puts Hess on the mound on short rest. He started Thursday for the Tides and threw 86 pitches in five innings.

I didn't think he was under consideration. I was wrong.

The leash might be shortened for Hess, but he's first in line tonight.

The Orioles decided again to move Hess to the bullpen and instead optioned him to Norfolk, where he pitched well in relief before making starts in his last two appearances. He allowed four earned runs in four innings against Lehigh Valley and three runs with seven strikeouts in five innings in Rochester.

Hess is 1-9 with a 7.15 ERA and 1.588 WHIP in 16 games (13 starts) with the Orioles over 68 innings. He's surrendered 21 home runs.

His last outing in the majors came as the 26th man for Game 2 of a July 13 doubleheader against the Rays, when he allowed three runs and five hits in two innings. His last start came on June 12 versus the Blue Jays, when he was charged with one earned run and four total in four innings.

His only win was achieved in Toronto on April 1 after tossing 6 1/3 hitless innings on short rest.

The Orioles are facing another rookie starter on their road trip, Padres right-hander Chris Paddack, who's 6-5 with a 2.84 ERA and 0.895 WHIP in 17 games. He's walked 21 batters and struck out 99 in 95 innings.

Manny Machado faces his former team again. He's batting .271/.344/.501 with 15 doubles, 25 home runs and 66 RBIs in 439 plate appearances.

The Orioles lost both games to the Padres by a combined 18-8 score on June 25-26 at Camden Yards.