Hyde on Hays, Pérez, Zimmermann and hot dogs

NEW YORK – Austin Hays hit in the cage this morning while the tarp was unrolled at Yankee Stadium, followed by an announcement that the game wouldn't start on time.

Bad forecast, but good injury news for the Orioles.

Hays is day-to-day with a left hip contusion. He’s avoided the injured list and nearing a return to the lineup.

“Trying to give him a little bit of a work day,” said manager Brandon Hyde. “The hip feels better.”

Jordan Westburg didn't have his left hand wrapped this morning and he's playing third base.

Reliever Cionel Pérez got on a roll with five consecutive scoreless appearances totaling six innings, but he went on the IL this morning.

“Yesterday when he went to play catch he felt a little bit of soreness in his forearm,” Hyde said. “We’re definitely taking some precautionary measures with it. The All-Star break right around the corner, kind of gives us four free days there to rest it, and we’re hoping that he’s going to be OK after that.

“We talked about it a lot last night after the game with him. I think he feels like he could probably go. We just want to give it some time to rest a little bit, and a good breather for him.”

The Orioles are carrying three catchers again with James McCann reinstated from the injured list, but there’s a shelf life to that arrangement.

“Just day-to-day right now with that,” Hyde said.

Baltimore native Bruce Zimmermann was recalled this morning after appearing in three games last week and allowing three runs in 5 1/3 innings.

“Bringing Bruce back because he can give us some innings,” Hyde said. “He’s done a really nice job the times that he’s been here. He’s used to the big stage, he’s used to the stadium, and if we need somebody in the long relief role, I feel comfortable having him in the game.”

The Fourth of July brings another edition of Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island, where Joey Chestnut is a 15-time winner.

How many dogs could Hyde put down in one sitting?

“Too many, I’ll tell you that. Not something to be proud of,” he replied.

“I could go without eating some hot dogs right now. I probably could use a little bit of fruit, maybe some kale. And a protein smoothie. I’m going backward. I need to go the other way around right now.”