Orioles and Rangers lineups (plus notes)

ARLINGTON, Texas – Austin Hays is out of the lineup today due to some soreness in his left side, according to manager Brandon Hyde.

Hyde said he isn’t concerned about it. He wants to rest Hays leading into Thursday’s off-day, and expects the outfielder to play on Friday, when the Orioles open a three-game home series against the Pirates.

Brett Phillips reported to the team this morning, and the Orioles optioned outfielder Yusniel Diaz to Triple-A Norfolk as the corresponding move.

Diaz was the 51^st player used by the Orioles this season when he struck out last night as a pinch-hitter.

Phillips is wearing No. 66. A nod, perhaps, to Phillips 66.

Ryan McKenna is in left field today with Hays on the bench. Adley Rutschman is the designated hitter.

A win today over the Rangers would move the Orioles three games above .500 for the first time since April 4, 2021, when they completed a season-opening sweep of the Red Sox. It also would give the club its first three-game sweep in Arlington since 2013.

The Orioles swept the Rangers earlier this season at Camden Yards.

Terrin Vavra has drawn five walks in 13 plate appearances.

Kyle Bradish is making his second start since returning to the Orioles. He allowed two runs in five innings in Cincinnati, with no walks and seven strikeouts, and lowered his ERA from 7.38 to 7.01.

The Orioles are 1 ½ games back for the final wild card spot. Their run differential has improved to plus-four.

Rangers left-hander Martín Pérez is 9-2 with a 2.52 ERA and 1.152 WHIP in 20 starts. He’s surrendered only seven home runs in 125 innings.

Pérez lost his first two decisions before going 9-0 in 18 starts. He’s allowed one earned run or fewer in 13 games.

In his last three starts, Pérez has been charged with three runs over 19 innings and struck out 21 batters.

Pérez has made 15 career appearances against the Orioles, including 13 starts, and gone 4-6 with a 4.91 ERA and 1.299 WHIP in 77 innings.

Ryan Mountcastle is 1-for-8 against him, the lone hit a home run.

For the Orioles
Cedric Mullins CF
Adley Rutschman DH
Anthony Santander RF
Ryan Mountcastle 1B
Ramón Urías 2B
Ryan McKenna LF
Jorge Mateo SS
Tyler Nevin 3B
Robinson Chirinos C

Kyle Bradish RHP

For the Rangers
Marcus Semien SS
Corey Seager DH
Jonah Heim C
Nathaniel Lowe 1B
Adolis García RF
Leody Taveras CF
Ezequiel Duran 3B
Josh H. Smith LF
Charlie Culberson 2B

Martín Pérez LHP

The Orioles are starting Dean Kremer, Austin Voth and Spenser Watkins against the Pirates.

Executive vice president/general manager Mike Elias flew into Dallas and met with a core group of players this morning. He also spoke with the media, and I’ll pass along his comments later.