Orioles recall Watkins, today's lineup in Chicago

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

June 17, 2023, 10:48am

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The Orioles optioned reliever Reed Garrett after yesterday’s loss in Chicago and recalled pitcher Spenser Watkins.

Watkins hasn't pitched in the majors in 2023, though he was recalled earlier in the season.

The Cubs are starting left-hander Justin Steele today, and the Orioles’ lineup against him includes Austin Hays in the leadoff spot, Ramón Urías at first base for the third time this season, and James McCann behind the plate.

Joey Ortiz is the second baseman. Adley Rutschman is serving as designated hitter.

Kyle Gibson is 8-3 with a 3.90 ERA and 1.301 WHIP in 14 starts. He’s registered seven quality starts.

Gibson is 0-3 with a 7.53 ERA and 1.605 WHIP in three career starts against the Cubs. He’s allowed 12 runs and 17 hits in 14 1/3 innings.

Dansby Swanson is 8-for-11 with a double and home run lifetime against Gibson. Yan Gomes is 13-for-32 (.406) with two doubles and two home runs.

The Orioles are six games behind the Rays in the division.

Steele comes off the injured list today. He’s 6-2 with a 2.65 ERA and 1.059 WHIP in 12 starts and has surrendered only two home runs in 68 innings.

In Steele’s only career start against the Orioles, he allowed three earned runs and four total in six innings.

For the Orioles
Austin Hays LF
Adley Rutschman DH
Anthony Santander RF
Gunnar Henderson 3B
Ramón Urías 1B
Aaron Hicks CF
James McCann C
Jorge Mateo SS
Joey Ortiz 2B

Kyle Gibson RHP