Rom returning to minors

Drew Rom’s major league debut remains on hold.

So close, but unable to capture it.

The Orioles announced that they optioned Rom to Triple-A Norfolk following last night’s 2-1 win over the Rays at Camden Yards. A corresponding move is coming Friday when they begin a three-game series against the Pirates that’s situated in the middle of their homestand.

Rom was summoned on Monday within a flurry of roster moves that included the return of infielder/outfielders Ryan O’Hearn and Terrin Vavra. Keegan Akin was optioned, with Rom replacing him as left-handed long relief.

Infielder Ramón Urías went on the 10-day injured list with a strained left hamstring, and catcher Luis Torrens was designated for assignment. Torrens' situation hasn't been resolved.

Rom never got into a game or warmed in the bullpen. He slots back into Norfolk’s rotation after going 4-1 with a 2.87 ERA and 1.245 WHIP in six starts.

The Orioles have carried three left-handers in the ‘pen since Opening Day, including Cionel Pérez and Danny Coulombe. They could bring up a right-hander Friday and adjust the ratio.

One possibility might be Mychal Givens, who has appeared in back-to-back games with Double-A Bowie on his injury rehab assignment. One of the important boxes that the Orioles needed to check before considering him.

Givens threw 16 pitches today in Harrisburg and retired only one batter. He was charged with two runs (one earned) and one hit, with one walk.

The Orioles signed Givens over the winter to a one-year contract with an option for 2024, returning him to the organization that drafted him as a shortstop in 2009, but he was shut down in spring training with inflammation in his left knee. He’s appeared in five games with the Baysox and allowed four runs (three earned) and two hits, with three walks and five strikeouts in four innings.

Dillon Tate’s rehab assignment moved to Norfolk. He already went back-to-back with Bowie, and he tossed a scoreless inning last night for the Tides.

Tate allowed nine runs (seven earned) and seven hits in three innings with the Baysox.

The Orioles' bullpen allowed two runs in 9 1/3 innings in the series against the Rays, with the Orioles winning the last two games, and has posted a 3.12 ERA that ranks fifth in the majors. The rotation’s ERA improved to 5.08, which is 22^nd in the majors.

Cole Irvin is scheduled to start tonight for the Tides, his fifth outing since being optioned. He’s allowed three runs over 13 innings in his last two appearances and also could be a relief option for the Orioles, who aren’t eager to disrupt the current rotation.

The Baysox defeated Harrisburg today, 11-2, with Cade Povich tossing five scoreless innings and Connor Gillispie earning his first save with 3 2/3 scoreless. Povich struck out 10 batters and walked only one.

Heston Kjerstad, Coby Mayo and César Prieto homered for the Baysox. Prieto came within a double of the cycle and went 4-for-5 with two RBIs while raising his average to .398 and his OPS to .996.

Kjerstad, who led off and played first base, is batting .294/.385/.657 with four doubles, three triples, nine home runs, 15 RBIs and 10 walks in 26 games.

Bowie placed catcher Ramon Rodriguez on the injured list and Mark Kolozsvary moved down from Norfolk.