Injury updates and pitching matchups

Orioles pitcher Alexander Wells has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 strain of his left ulnar collateral ligament and is expected to miss eight-to-12 weeks.

Surgery isn’t a consideration at this time. Wells will rehab at the spring training complex in Sarasota, Fla.

Wells felt the discomfort in his elbow after Tuesday’s game in New York.

Chris Ellis is still dealing with inflammation in his right shoulder.

“Still seeing some medical people about it,” said manager Brandon Hyde, “but we’ll have some more news about him this week sometime.”

Trey Mancini didn’t play last night because of bruised ribs and isn’t in today’s lineup, but he should be available off the bench.

“He is feeling better today,” Hyde said.

Third baseman Kelvin Gutiérrez hasn’t been in the lineup the past three games, but he isn’t injured. Hyde is just giving starts to other infielders.

Dean Kremer threw a bullpen session yesterday in Sarasota, as he nears a return from a strained oblique.

Infielder Shed Long Jr. is close to beginning an injury rehab assignment in the minors. He’s been working out at extended spring training.

The Orioles signed Long to a minor league deal in February. He underwent a second surgery on his right tibia following the 2021 season.

Long, 26, is a former prospect in the Reds and Mariners systems who’s batted .216/.284/.376 in 110 games with Seattle. He was the Mariners’ opening day starter at second base in 2020.

Here are the pitching matchups vs. the Twins at Camden Yards. Keep an eye on Wednesday night:

Monday: Tyler Wells vs. Chris Paddack
Tuesday: Bruce Zimmermann vs. Joe Ryan
Wednesday: Kyle Bradish vs. Dylan Bundy
Thursday: Spenser Watkins vs. TBA

Orioles starters have a 2.25 ERA in the last four games. Their pitchers have a 1.80 ERA in eight home games, lowest in the majors.

This is the club’s lowest home ERA through eight games since 1992 (1.13).