Krehbiel optioned, Westburg returns to lineup

The Orioles reinstated John Means from the 60-day injured list today and optioned reliever Joey Krehbiel to Triple-A Norfolk. The 40-man roster is full.

Krehbiel has made six appearances with the Orioles and allowed one run and two hits with five strikeouts in five innings.

Means makes his first start tonight since April 13, 2022. He’s never faced the Cardinals, but the opponent doesn’t matter.

Means is back on the mound and that’s the story.

The magic number is four to clinch a playoff berth. The Orioles are on pace to win 103 games.

They’ve won eight of their last nine games, 14 of 18, 17 of 22 and 20 of 27.

The offense is cranking, with 10 or more runs in four of the last five games and 10 or more hits in eight of the last nine.

Jordan Westburg has returned to the lineup, playing third base and batting eighth.

Asked about Westburg yesterday, executive vice president/general manager Mike Elias said, “I do think we’re hoping to have him back in the lineup this week, and he may be available before he’s in the lineup.

“Every single guy on our team right now, it’s September, it’s a long season for a lot of them. Every single one of them is nursing something, and he’s definitely in that mix and we’re just giving him a couple days off right now.”

Adley Rutschman is the designated hitter. Gunnar Henderson is the shortstop.

Ryan Mountcastle is out of the lineup. Ryan O’Hearn is the first baseman.

Adam Wainwright is 3-11 with an 8.19 ERA and 1.978 WHIP in 19 starts. The three-time All-Star and Cy Young Award runner-up in 2013 made his only career start against the Orioles on June 17, 2017 at Camden Yards, and it didn’t go well. He allowed nine runs, including three homers, in 1 2/3 innings.

For the Orioles
Adley Rutschman DH
Gunnar Henderson SS
Anthony Santander RF
Ryan O’Hearn 1B
Cedric Mullins CF
Austin Hays LF
Adam Frazier 2B
Jordan Westburg 3B
James McCann C

John Means LHP

For the Cardinals
Lars Nootbaar RF
Tommy Edman CF
Paul Goldschmidt 1B
Nolan Arenado 3B
Willson Contreras C
Tyler O’Neill LF
Nolan Gorman 2B
Jordan Walker DH
Masyn Winn SS

Adam Wainwright RHP