Orioles updates on rotation, Hays, Mateo, Bautista and more

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Kyle Bradish threw a light bullpen session this afternoon and he’s starting Saturday afternoon against the Rays at Tropicana Field.

Bradish is working on six days’ rest after starting last Saturday against the Rays at Camden Yards and allowing five runs and seven hits in 2 2/3 innings. He walked his last three batters.

The rest of the rotation is also confirmed. Grayson Rodriguez starts Sunday afternoon and Corbin Burnes starts Monday night, giving them an extra day with the Orioles in the midst of a brutal stretch that includes only one break in the schedule this month.

The Orioles host the Braves next week in a three-game series at Camden Yards. Albert Suárez and Cade Povich are lined up to start Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively. However, the club could choose to move Suárez to the bullpen and give Povich the ball on regular rest following yesterday’s major league debut.

X-rays on Austin Hays’ rib cage came back negative but he’s out of tonight’s lineup.

Hays was hit in the ninth inning yesterday by a 96.4 mph sinker from Toronto’s Yimi García.

“He got smoked in the ribs,” said manager Brandon Hyde. “Pretty swollen. There’s a big bruise there. The ball dropped immediately. That was quite an impact. So he’s pretty sore.

“Glad about the X-ray. That was a relief, honestly. He’s going to go test it here in a few minutes in the cage, try to hit. I’m hoping he’s available.

Jorge Mateo remains on the seven-day concussion list but he’s making progress.

“Increasing baseball activities,” Hyde said. “He’s going to take some ground balls out here today and maybe a little batting practice. So just a little bit more every day. He’s in concussion protocol but improving every day.”

Closer Félix Bautista, recovering from Tommy John surgery, made the drive from Sarasota and played catch. He had a brief rest period, went back to the outfield and increased his distance to around 90 feet.

He wasn’t lobbing the ball. There was legitimate effort.

Pitching coach Drew French and assistant Mitch Plassmeyer watched Bautista after Bradish’s bullpen session. Head athletic trainer Brian Ebel stood nearby.

“Awesome to see him, looks amazing,” Hyde said. “Looks like he’s in unbelievable shape. Watched him throw. He’s throwing the ball great. Just to have him around, he brings a smile to everybody’s face. Warm guy and everybody loves him, so to have him around here is fantastic. It was awesome to say hello to him earlier today.”

There was a reunion vibe at Tropicana Field with Tyler Wells also visiting his teammates today.

Wells hasn’t undergone surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. There’s no brace on the arm.

Triple-A Norfolk infielder Terrin Vavra had another health setback. He’s going on the injured list with a left groin strain.

Vavra returned to the Tides last month after undergoing right shoulder surgery and was batting .271/.377/.424 in 17 games.