Ramirez chosen to make today's start

The Orioles flirted with the idea of switching to a six-man rotation earlier in the year and now they're doing it - for one game.

The doubleheader in New York forced manager Brandon Hyde to find another starter today in Cleveland instead of using someone on short rest and he's chosen right-hander Yefry Ramirez.

The alternative would have been an opener or recalling a starter from the minors, with left-hander Josh Rogers one of the possibilities.

Gabriel Ynoa threw 54 pitches in relief Thursday night and allowed four runs in 1 2/3 innings. His ERA has climbed from 0.79 on May 7 to 5.37 after allowing seven runs in his last two appearances over 2 1/3 innings.

Ramirez threw 73 pitches in 4 2/3 innings against the Rays on May 3 after replacing Dan Straily, so he's stretched out. But he hasn't gotten into a game since surrendering a tie-breaking home run to the Red Sox's Andrew Benintendi in the 12th inning of a May 8 game at Camden Yards.

He did come out of the bullpen two days later against the Angels and warmed up for the top of the seventh inning, but didn't throw a pitch because of a rain delay. Hyde turned to Miguel Castro after play resumed.

Today marks the first Orioles start for Ramirez since Game 2 of a Sept. 29 doubleheader against the Astros. He allowed three runs and five hits over six innings in a 5-2 loss.

Ramirez made an Aug. 19 start in Cleveland and surrendered seven runs and seven hits with five walks in only three innings in an 8-0 loss. It's the only time he's faced the Indians until today.

The Orioles stuck with five starters after Alex Cobb returned to the injured list with a lumbar strain. Ramirez could be one-and-done today, but he should view the assignment as an opportunity.

At least plant a seed in Hyde's mind.

Straily is carrying an 8.51 ERA and 1.891 WHIP with 10 home runs allowed in 30 2/3 innings. He hasn't gone more than 4 1/3 in his last four starts.

David Hess was tied for the most home runs allowed in the majors with 14 heading into yesterday.

Andrew Cashner, Dylan Bundy and John Means are secure, but the others need to strengthen their holds. Hyde appears open to change, though the length of the individual leashes isn't known.

* Mark Trumbo received his first two at-bats Friday afternoon in extended spring training in Sarasota and was twice nailed in the back by pitches from two Pirates right-handers from their Dominican Summer League team.

This isn't how a batter regains his timing at the plate.

The Orioles play the Pirates again on Monday, giving Trumbo another chance to get a hit instead of getting hit.