Pregame notes on Karns, Bundy, Castro and more

SARASOTA, Fla. - Nate Karns is close to getting back into the Orioles rotation after informing manager Brandon Hyde this morning that his arm responded favorably to yesterday's bullpen session.

Karns was scratched from Friday night's start in Tampa due to some arm soreness. Karns said he didn't bounce back at the usual rate after debuting Monday against the Twins in Fort Myers and lasting 1 2/3 innings, which raised some red flags based on the elbow injury last summer that cost him the entire 2018 season.

"I just talked to him. He feels great," Hyde said. "He said he feels nothing, so I think he's fully ready to go. He's going to pitch in a few days, so all positives from yesterday's side session."

Left-hander John Means is getting another start Wednesday afternoon against the Rays in Port Charlotte after replacing Karns and shutting out the Yankees over two innings. Karns still isn't listed, though he could fill Thursday's opening against the Pirates in Bradenton.

Dylan Bundy starts again Monday versus the Twins in Fort Myers after throwing 37 pitches Thursday in Clearwater.

"It's just because he threw a couple innings the other day," Hyde said. "We're going to start getting those kinds of guys on the five days as we go along here, but I think he wanted to get back on the mound, also. So yeah, he's going to go three days and extend him a little bit more this next time."

Relievers listed Monday behind Bundy include left-hander Josh Osich, making his Orioles debut. He's joined on the trip to Fort Myers - yes, already the fourth one this spring - by David Hess, Jimmy Yacabonis and Miguel Castro.

The Twins are listing Kyle Gibson, Fernando Romero, Blake Parker, Addison Reed, Trevor May and Taylor Rogers.

Hyde is using Castro as a reliever and doesn't anticipate working him into the rotation competition.

"As of right now," Hyde said. "I think we're going to extend him out a little bit, but as of right now we're working him in a reliever standpoint. That might change. Anything could change with our roster, but right now we're giving him relief outings, and like everything we'll evaluate a little bit later in camp."

Pitchers Zach Pop and Dean Kremer are throwing on flat ground and nearing appearances in games. Pop pitched once before the Orioles shut him down, blaming fatigue for a drastic decline in velocity. Kremer arrived in camp with a strained left oblique.

"I know they're itching to get out there," Hyde said. "They're both improving and you should see them out there sometime soon."

Infielder Hanser Álberto, claimed off waivers again, is expected to be in Monday's lineup.

"He played in a few games with the Giants," Hyde said. "He's game-ready. Probably got a little bit of jet lag. That's a tough road, but he should be in there tomorrow.

"Kind of excited to have him back. Just another sound defender, just a good baseball player that we're happy to have."

Austin Hays is 4-for-12 with a triple and home run as he returns to the lineup today. The reason for his impressive start?

It begins with the basics.

"I think he's healthy. That's the first thing," Hyde responded.

"His ankle feels really good. He's really an aggressive player. Playing with no fear. Playing really well defensively. He's aggressive at the plate.

"I just like the way he plays the game. He's not afraid of anything and I love that. And he's opening up a lot of eyes in camp, for sure."