Orioles recall Phillips and option Velazquez (plus lineups)

The Orioles brought back reliever Evan Phillips today after his role Thursday as the 29th man in the doubleheader.

Phillips was optioned after Game 2, but has been recalled from the alternate camp site in Bowie. The Orioles optioned infielder Andrew Velazquez.

Phillips struck out all four batters he faced Thursday and has a 3.65 ERA and 1.541 WHIP in 12 1/3 innings. He's walked eight and struck out 16.

Velazquez is batting .159/.274/.206 in 40 games and 77 plate appearances. He's made 19 starts and 30 appearances at shortstop, two starts at second base and one start in center field.

He's tied for ninth in the majors with two bunt hits.

The removal of Velazquez from the active roster doesn't necessarily indicate a lack of concern over José Iglesias' quadriceps muscle and shin. He hadn't been in the lineup for the last two games, but he's starting at shortstop tonight.

The Orioles needed Velazquez to back up in center field, but having Austin Hays and Cedric Mullins on the roster covers that ground.

Ryan Mountcastle is the first baseman and cleanup hitter tonight. Chance Sisco is catching and Pedro Severino is the designated hitter.

Hays is in left field again and batting ninth.

Jorge López is making his fifth start with the Orioles. He's posted a 3.80 ERA and 1.125 WHIP in 21 1/3 innings in the rotation and held opponents to a .218 average and 6.46 OPS.

López's last relief appearance came against the Rays on Aug. 25, when he tossed a scoreless inning with one hit and one walk.

Charlie Morton has registered a 5.14 ERA and 1.357 WHIP in seven starts this year. Tonight marks his fourth start since the Rays put him on the injured list Aug. 10 with shoulder inflammation.

Morton has made six career starts against the Orioles and gone 3-2 with a 3.38 ERA and 1.261 WHIP in 29 1/3 innings. He's walked eight batters and struck out 36 in 29 1/3 innings.

Orioles have struck out 14 times or more in five games this season.

For the Orioles
Cedric Mullins CF
José Iglesias SS
DJ Stewart RF
Ryan Mountcastle 1B
Pedro Severino DH
Chance Sisco C
Hanser Alberto 2B
Rio Ruiz 3B
Austin Hays LF

Jorge López RHP

For the Rays
Yoshi Tsutsugo LF
Brandon Lowe 2B
Randy Arozarena DH
Nate Lowe 1B
Joey Wendle SS
Mike Brosseau 3B
Kevin Kiermaier CF
Brett Phillips RF
Michael Perez C

Charlie Morton RHP