Hyde on Straily, Jackson, Wynns, Davis and more (O's down 6-4)

Dan Straily will begin his Orioles career in the bullpen before he's deemed ready to enter the starting rotation.

It shouldn't take long, and his inclusion will give the club five starters and slam the brakes on the opener experiment.

"He's a guy who eats innings, has a really good slider, knows how to pitch, just a competitor and so we're really excited to have him," said manager Brandon Hyde.

"We're going to work him into (starting). He hasn't pitched in a competitive situation in a while, so we're going to utilize him out of the bullpen for a while and then kind of ramp him up to join the rotation at some point.

"The last five or six years he's been an established big league starter, so to acquire that, to add that to our rotation mix was something we felt would really be beneficial not only for our rotation but for our bullpen guys as well. Not taxing them too much and we want to make sure we're keeping everyone healthy."

Nate Karns has pitched two innings in two turns as the opener, and the Orioles could try it again later if necessary. There are no long-term certainties with their staff or the roster.

"We'll see. I'm not really sure," Hyde said.

"I think a lot of things change over the next six months. I'm not saying it's the all end, but we'd like to slide (Straily) into the rotation and that would be five. A lot of things can change, though."

Hyde believes a message has been sent with the pursuit and ultimate signing of Straily, a seven-year veteran who's 42-36 with a 4.23 ERA and 1.276 WHIP in 142 games.

"Our guys are going to do everything we can to compete," Hyde said. "I think our clubhouse knows that, and our front office guys are backing it and they're going to help us. They want to see us put a good product on the field, and somebody to join the energetic group we have right now, I think it's fantastic. So to add an established big league starter is a bonus and a plus, and I think it tells our players and coaches that our guys care and what we're presenting out on the field on a nightly basis matters."

The roster will continue to be tweaked over the course of the summer. This is just the beginning.

"I think anytime Mike (Elias) and the fellas feel like we can improve in an area, they're going to do anything they can do make that happen," Hyde said. "I think Mike's been really transparent about improving the talent level in the whole organization, and so when they feel like there's an opportunity to do that, they will, and they've been doing it so far."

The Orioles are going with 13 pitchers and a three-man bench after subtracting Rule 5 infielder Drew Jackson.

"We just needed an extra arm," Hyde said. "Hated to see Drew go. I think he's got big-time upside and liked him as a player, and especially as a guy. He's a pro and had a great spring training and was doing some nice things here. It was just a numbers thing, and we just feel like we needed an extra arm.

"I wish Drew the best of luck. We texted a lot last night. I hope I get the opportunity to manage him again at some point. I just loved how professional he was and how he came to the ballpark ready to play.

"I played him probably more than anybody in spring training, all over the place, and he responded and never complained. He got a ton of at-bats and played as hard as he could, so I really appreciated it, how he went about his business."

Catcher Austin Wynns continues to play at extended spring training and is close to breaking camp, finally able to move past his strained oblique. He's going to catch six innings Monday and nine Wednesday.

"Everything's progressing really well," Hyde said. "Great progress and he seems healthy and ready to go."

Chris Davis is on the bench tonight against Yankees left-hander J.A. Happ, keeping him hitless in 21 plate appearances this season.

What does Hyde tell fans who think Davis is hurting the rebuild and occupying a valuable roster spot?

"Chris is on the team and we're going to support Chris like I support everybody else," he replied.

"I feel like I have a really good relationship with Chris and I'm behind Chris. I know our coaching staff is as well. I couldn't be happier for what he's put in so far this year and how he's gone about his business. It just hasn't happened yet. I feel that from spring training he's really been focused to improve and been a team guy, done unbelievable in defensive drills. He's worked really good with the hitting coaches, has been present every single day, is a nice voice in our clubhouse. He's just off to a slow start, and I'm going to support him and I'm not going to stop supporting him.

"He's one of 25 guys I'm going to be positive with, and I want to believe he's going to turn it around."

The night will begin with the Orioles saluting Hall of Famer Frank Robinson with a celebration of his life that includes a video tribute and guest speakers Brooks Robinson, Jim Palmer and Boog Powell.

"It's a big night," Hyde said. "I understand how important he is not only to the game of baseball, but here and what he meant to the fans and the community, the Baltimore area. Wore so many different hats, did so many things well. One of the greatest players of all time.

"I met him once. I had him sign a ball for me years ago. I was a kid when he was the manager of the Giants. I wish I had more time to spend with him. I know how important he was in general to the baseball community and the Baltimore community. It's a big night here and I'm excited to be part of the celebration."

Hyde got his souvenir, which he still displays in his basement, during a Marlins-Mets series in Puerto Rico.

"I think he was working for MLB at the time," Hyde said. "He walked into the office and there was some serious presence there. I made sure I had a ball and had him sign it."

For the Yankees
Brett Gardner CF
Aaron Judge RF
Luke Voit DH
Greg Bird 1B
Gary Sánchez C
Gleyber Torres SS
D.J. LeMahieu 3B
Mike Tauchman LF
Tyler Wade 2B

J.A. Happ LHP

Update: Aaron Judge's first home run of the season was a 412-foot shot to center field off Dylan Bundy in the first inning to give New York a 1-0 lead.

Update II: Trey Mancini homered for the fourth time in six games to tie the score 1-1 in the first.

Update III: Judge's two-run shot to center field in the third broke the tie.

Update IV: Renato Núñez singled off Jonathan Holder with two outs in the fifth to score Cedric Mullins and reduce the lead to 3-2.

Update V: A fielder's choice grounder and RBI from Chris Davis and sacrifice fly from Rio Ruiz, both pinch-hitting in the seventh inning, gave the Orioles a 4-3 lead.

Update VI: Clint Frazier hit a three-run homer off Miguel Castro with two outs in the eighth to give New York a 6-4 lead.