More on Orioles' pitching plans

Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said today that the composition of the Yankees lineup in the series finale prompted the decision to start right-hander Adam Plutko. Left-hander Bruce Zimmermann was recalled today and could cover innings.

"Just because they're so right-handed," Hyde said in his Zoom call. "We're going to try to piece this one together today. Plutko's obviously got a lot of starting experience and the first right guys in their batting order are right-handed. So we'll see how long he goes. It could be an inning, it could be three innings and then we're going to piece it together bullpen-wise after that.

"We brought Zimm here, somebody who can give us multiple innings if need be."

Zimmermann hasn't pitched since May 8 in Jacksonville, logging three innings for Triple-A Norfolk, but he didn't gather dust.

"He's fresh," Hyde said. "He threw down there. We got him ready kind of for today, so he's ready to go and he can give us multiple innings if we need it."

Jorge López is staying in the rotation, according to Hyde. López lasted only two innings last night and allowed five runs to increase his ERA to 6.35 in eight starts.

"I thought he had a tough start last night," Hyde said. "It happens. He gave up five runs in two innings to the New York Yankees. I've been encouraged by his last couple starts before that. Last night he just didn't have the command that he has shown in his previous starts, but you look at his first handful of starts, the first three or four innings have been really good. He did a nice job in his last start against the Red Sox and his next start as of right now is going to be against Washington."

The Orioles and Rays aren't listing their starters for the three-game series that begins Tuesday at Camden Yards. John Means is confirmed, however, for Wednesday night.

Matt Harvey could be the choice Tuesday, with Dean Kremer going Thursday. López would be ready Friday night in D.C., but there's a chance that a fifth starter could be inserted.

The plans appear to be on hold.

Zimmermann could rejoin the rotation. Plutko seems more likely to stay in a relief role due to the value he brings.

"Right now, I'd rather keep Plutko in the bullpen, but (Zimmermann starting) is a possibility," Hyde said.

The Orioles are trying to provide extra rest for their starters - Means is getting seven days, for example - without taxing the bullpen. It's a delicate balancing act.

"That's why we're doing the things we do," Hyde said. "We're going to be in a stretch of almost three weeks of games in a row, and being able to get guys proper rest. We're still in early May, we've still got four-plus months to go coming off a short season last year.

"You see it around the league. There's a lot of juggling in rotations and pushing guys back and skipping starts and having bullpen days and openers, and those type of things just to try to give guys proper rest and have guys be able to pitch throughout the summer. And we're doing the same thing."

Tim Cossins, the major league field coordinator and catching instructor, has been in the bullpen for games while assistant pitching coach Darren Holmes fills in for pitching coach Chris Holt, who's away from the team for a personal matter.

For the Orioles
Cedric Mullins CF
Austin Hays LF
Trey Mancini DH
Ryan Mountcastle 1B
Pedro Severino C
Maikel Franco 3B
Freddy Galvis SS
Pat Valaika 2B
Ryan McKenna RF

Adam Plutko RHP