Hyde hoping Hays can return in 10 days (plus other notes)

Orioles manager Brandon Hyde struck an optimistic tone this afternoon while explaining Austin Hays' injury and timetable for his return.

Whether he hit the right note won't be known for 10 days.

Hays was placed on the injured list with a non-displaced rib fracture, but the club believes he can return to the active roster when eligible based on information provided by the medical staff.

"Hopefully, Haysy won't be very long, but we put him on the IL for a little bit," Hyde said during his Zoom conference call with the media.

"Very unfortunate. He got hit in the ribs, I want to say a week and a half ago, and they got X-rays that night that didn't show anything and he's been playing. And in that Philly series he made that catch up against the wall, as well as a diving catch, and was a little tender in the same spot after. And last night he felt like he was a little bit sore in that area and went and got checked out a second time and they found a small fracture there.

"Our medical people are pretty confident that this is just going to be a 10-day trip. He's just a little bit tender in that area and I think it got progressively worse since he ran into the wall in Philadelphia. They feel like it's going to be 10 days and he should be good to go."

Hays is batting .203/.273/.246 with an inside-the-park home run in 19 games. He's 5-for-14 against the Nationals.

Andrew Velazquez is starting in center field tonight, his versatility keeping him on the roster, and Cedric Mullins was recalled today from the alternate camp site in Bowie.

"Mullins and Velazquez, I'm going to split it up, depending on matchups," Hyde said. "Both guys switch-hit. I think you'll see both of those guys get quite a bit of playing time. It's just going to be a daily decision on who's going to be in center."

Left-hander John Means will come off the injured list and make Sunday's start against the Nationals. A corresponding roster move is required.

Chandler Shepherd had his contract selected yesterday from the alternate camp site and could be removed from the bullpen.

Shepherd is out of options and would have to clear waivers and accept the assignment to Bowie. He could elect free agency due to a prior designation.

Hyde met new pitcher Jorge López earlier today, but the club knows him from last year's games against the Royals.

"He threw the ball great against us," Hyde said. "I'm really excited to add him. I think this is a guy that's got starting stuff. He's got a really good fastball. I love the frame, love the delivery. He's got a mid-90s fastball with movement. I like the breaking ball. I'm really excited about adding him."

The Orioles will use López in long relief initially and consider him for starting assignments later in the summer.

Hanser Alberto extended his hitting streak to eight games last night and has posted a .371(13-for-35) average with seven doubles, five RBIs, two walks and nine runs scored.

Asher Wojciechowski is working on an extra day of rest after facing the Nationals on Sunday in D.C. and tossing 3 2/3 scoreless innings.

Left-hander Patrick Corbin has made three starts and allowed five earned runs (six total) with 20 strikeouts in 18 innings. He's made three career appearances against the Orioles and surrendered six runs with one walk and 20 strikeouts in 16 innings.

The Nationals placed Stephen Strasburg on the 10-day injured list this afternoon with carpal tunnel neuritis of the right hand and recalled pitcher Ryne Harper.

For the Nationals
Trea Turner SS
Adam Eaton RF
Juan Soto LF
Asdrúbal Cabrera 1B
Eric Thames DH
Luis García 2B
Carter Kieboom 3B
Yan Gomes C
Victor Robles CF

Patrick Corbin LHP