Notes on Lakins, Allen, Owings, Nevin and Wells

Reliever Travis Lakins Sr. didn’t leave Baltimore after the Orioles optioned him Thursday night. They knew the forecast left them vulnerable for a doubleheader over the weekend.

Lakins is the 27th man today and will report to Triple-A Norfolk after the nightcap.

“We kept him ready,” said manager Brandon Hyde.

Lakins allowed nine runs and 12 hits in 8 1/3 innings. He surrendered three home runs, including two grand slams.

“I wasn’t pitching well, so I knew there was a chance,” he said of the demotion. “It’s just the business. I wasn’t surprised. I knew it was coming. I’ve got to throw the ball better and put myself in a better position to not get optioned.”

New left-hander Logan Allen is working out of the bullpen initially after the Orioles claimed him off waivers last week from the Guardians.

“I think we’re always open for options, but he’ll start out in the bullpen, and I’ll try to get him a lower-leverage situation early just because he hasn’t pitched in a while,” Hyde said. “Looking forward to seeing what he can do. We really like his arm.”

Orioles assistant pitching coach Darren Holmes was Allen’s first travel ball coach. Third base coach Tony Mansolino managed him at Triple-A Columbus in 2019.

“I think Darren’s somebody he’s talked to quite a bit about pitching and what’s going on with his career, so Holmesy’s very in tune to what’s happening with him. I think it’s nice for Logan to have somebody here that he trusts and has seen him pitch for a while now," Hyde said.

“This game is obviously extremely difficult, and when you’re joining a new clubhouse, a new team, to have some familiarity there is really nice.”

Chris Owings hasn’t played since April 30, but he’ll be in the Game 2 lineup.

“Right now we have three bench guys and we’re going to have to give guys breaks, so I think you’re going to see CO out there quite a bit,” Hyde said.

“With this long stretch after yesterday of, I think it’s 19 days in a row, I’m going to be moving guys around and giving guys breaks. You might see him in the outfield, you’ll see him in the infield. I need to give guys breathers here, especially starting a 19-day stretch with a nine-inning doubleheader. We’re going to be playing everybody.”

Tyler Nevin worked out again today and is expected to join Owings in the lineup. The discomfort in his right groin has subsided.

“Want to see how it responds,” Hyde said, “but if everything’s right, he’ll be playing in the second game.”

Hyde moved Tyler Wells to Monday’s series finale, which was supposed to be an off-day.

“Anytime we’re going to be able to give Tyler Wells an extra day, that’s what we’re going to do,” Hyde said.