Hyde explains decision to option Rogers (plus other notes)

The lack of fresh relievers impacted starter Trevor Rogers.

The Orioles optioned Rogers early this afternoon within a bevy of roster moves that included calling up left-hander Nick Vespi and selecting right-hander Matt Bowman’s contract from Triple-A Norfolk.

Rogers’ next turn in the rotation was Sunday but the spot became listed as TBA.

“Just kind of where we are bullpen-wise,” said manager Brandon Hyde. “We feel like we needed to get some help in the bullpen, get some guys that are able to pitch tonight. Cade (Povich) is gonna throw tomorrow, so we want Trevor to stay ready. We’ll see what happens here. We just want him to stay ready and we’ll see how things shake out the next couple weeks.”

The Orioles sent outfielder Kyle Stowers and second baseman Connor Norby to the Marlins for Rogers at the trade deadline. He’s posted a 7.11 ERA and 1.842 WHIP in four starts and hasn’t gone more than five innings.

Most recently, Rogers allowed three runs and five hits with three walks and five strikeouts over 4 2/3 innings at Citi Field.

“I thought my stuff was really good today. It's just the results aren't there,” Rogers said afterward.

“I really like where I'm at. I know the numbers don't say that but I really like where I'm headed.”

Rogers didn’t know it would be Norfolk.

The organization’s pitching instructors are “definitely putting together a plan in place. I know that’s happening today,” Hyde said.

“I thought he threw the ball OK in New York. He’s got a good sinker. I thought the changeup was working well that night. But we feel like this was the right thing to do right now for the team.”

Reliever Colin Selby was optioned today because of his lack of availability. He pitched twice against the Mets and logged three scoreless innings with two walks and four strikeouts. Nothing wrong with the performance.

“He threw the ball well for us,” Hyde said. “We needed arms tonight.”

Yenner Cano is available, so that helps.

Reliever Keegan Akin should return to the club Friday. He’s on the paternity list and the maximum absence permitted is three days.

Left-hander Nick Vespi can be optioned one more time before the Orioles have to pass him through waivers. He’s back in the clubhouse today and clean shaven.

“Any opportunity I can have up here is a good opportunity and I’m excited to help this team win,” he said.

The shuttle won’t have a seat for Vespi next season. The options finally run out.

“Nick’s been with us for a few years and kind of done that role and done it well,” Hyde said. “I know it’s not the easiest to be shuffled back between Triple-A and the big leagues. Nick’s always handled it like a pro and understands the situation. When you’re a reliever with options and a young player, sometimes that’s the role you’re in. Those things happen.

“It’s never a fun conversation, but we appreciate how professional he’s been throughout it and he’s done well in that role.”

Vespi brought a 7.11 ERA and 2.116 WHIP from Norfolk, the numbers inflated by allowing 18 runs this month in 4 2/3 innings.

“Not really surprised when I get an opportunity to come up here,” he said. “Yeah, I wasn’t doing that well down there, but it’s a different ballgame up here and I’m focused on how well I can do up here and help this team win.”

Asked about his recent struggles, Vespi said, “Just walking guys. Getting down in counts and then balls were put in play, scoring some runs. I need to do a better job of executing the strike zone and attacking hitters and getting back to what I was doing before.”

Hyde didn’t have an update on infielder Jorge Mateo, who’s on the injured list with a dislocated elbow. Mateo was expected to receive another medical opinion.