Orioles option Wells to Double-A Bowie

Unable to exhibit the same patience displayed during their rebuild period, the Orioles optioned struggling starter Tyler Wells to Double-A Bowie after last night’s game. They made the announcement this afternoon.

Reliever Joey Krehbiel had his contract selected from Triple-A Norfolk, and reliever Eduard Bazardo was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster.

Wells produced a first half worthy of All-Star consideration, with a 3.18 ERA in 18 games and a 0.927 WHIP that led the majors. He’s made three starts after the break and allowed 11 runs and 10 hits with nine walks and three hit batters in only nine innings.

The final straw came last night, with Wells working only 2 2/3 innings and leaving after 63 pitches in an 8-3 loss to the Yankees. He was charged with three runs and three hits, walked three batters and hit another.

Manager Brandon Hyde said afterward that trust remained in Wells based on the first half, “but I’m also trying to win the game.”

Wells said again that he’s fine physically, but his 113 2/3 innings are the most he’s thrown in the majors. He logged 119 1/3 with two Twins affiliates in 2018 prior to undergoing Tommy John surgery. He didn’t pitch in ’19 or ’20 and was a Rule 5 reliever for the Orioles in ’21.

A gradual buildup as a starter last year and two trips to the injured list capped Wells at 103 2/3.

Hyde will speak to the media later and explain the decision to send Wells to Bowie, which keeps him closer to Baltimore. Rest and controlled workloads come more easily in the minors.

Wells was scheduled to pitch again Thursday afternoon in Toronto.

The Orioles have a few options regarding the rotation. Cole Irvin could move back into it, but they also might trade for a starter before Tuesday’s 6 p.m. deadline.

Krehbiel finally makes it back to the majors after appearing in 56 games last season and registering a 3.90 ERA and 1.231 WHIP in 57 2/3 innings. He’s posted a 3.00 ERA and 1.467 WHIP in 25 games with Norfolk.

Krehbiel tossed a scoreless inning Friday in his most recent game.

Bazardo allowed four runs and six hits in 2 1/3 innings in three appearances with the Orioles before they optioned him on July 17.