Hyde on Wells, roster, Guardians series, Mountcastle and more

CLEVELAND – Tyler Wells is getting closer to appearing in games and rejoining the Orioles.

Wells threw about 30 pitches today during a bullpen session at high Single-A Aberdeen, and he’s poised to begin an injury rehab assignment with the IronBirds.

Today’s activity followed the simulated game from a few days ago.

“Felt great after, so positive news there,” said manager Brandon Hyde.

“We’re going to get him into some sort of rehab game if he wakes up tomorrow and feels well. We’re taking it just kind of day-to-day with him right now, but as of right now, it went well and we’re going to continue to progress him.”

The Orioles eventually must decide whether to return Wells to his former relief role or again use him as a starter.

The rotation depth is lacking, but it wouldn’t take as long to prep Wells for the bullpen. And that unit certainly could use Wells in high-leverage situations, particularly as a bridge to closer Félix Bautista.

Five consecutive quality starts from the rotation has enabled Hyde to ease up on some of his relievers. The starters allowed two runs in 21 2/3 innings in Houston.

“I feel like our bullpen is as rested right now as we’ve been all year with the three starts we just got,” Hyde said.

Rosters expand by two players on Thursday and Hyde isn’t revealing whether the newcomers will report to Cleveland or meet the Orioles at Camden Yards.

“I think it could be either one,” he said.

The Orioles are beginning a three-game series against the Guardians, who lead the American League Central, after facing an Astros team possessing the best record in the AL.

“Part of the schedule for us,” Hyde said.

“I think playing so many close games against so many really good teams the last few years, really early on this year, we’re kind of used to it now at this point. This is a really, really good club, a great pitching staff. They don’t strike out, they play great defense. They’re going to present a lot of problems.”

Hyde hasn’t attempted the math regarding how many games the Orioles must win over the remaining 35 to clinch a playoff berth. He can’t project what record is needed to get the Orioles into the postseason.

“I don’t think anybody can forecast that at this point,” he said. “Just trying to win a series, honestly, and if you do that, then the numbers will be there at the end and we’ll give ourselves a chance.”

Ryan Mountcastle moved down to seventh in the order tonight for the first time in 2022. Mountcastle is batting .172/.245/.289 with 12 walks and 39 strikeouts in 143 plate appearances in the second half.

“I’m just trying to take some pressure off him,” Hyde said. “He’s scuffling lately. He’s overswinging, trying to do too much, and just trying to give him a little bit of a breather.

“That last series, (Cedric) Mullins, (Adley) Rutschman and (Anthony) Santander I felt like were on base quite a bit. He’s a young guy just trying to drive in runs instead of letting the game come to him a little bit. Hopefully, this can give him a little bit of a spark and take a little bit of pressure off him.”

Travis Lakins Sr.’s rehab assignment has been transferred to Triple-A Norfolk.