Updates on McCann, Mateo and Rodriguez, and tonight's lineups

Orioles catcher James McCann is nearing a return to the active roster. Perhaps as early as Sunday.

McCann began his injury rehab assignment last night at High-A Aberdeen and singled twice as the designated hitter. He’s going to catch tonight and the Orioles want him to work around seven innings before determining his status.

“Kind of take it day-to-day, see how he feels after and see what else he needs,” said manager Brandon Hyde.

Asked if it’s possible that McCann will be with the club on Sunday, Hyde said, “We’ll see what happens.”

Adley Rutschman is behind the plate tonight and batting second against Yankees rookie right-hander Jhony Brito. Left-hander Nestor Cortes starts Sunday, and Rutschman isn’t likely to catch a day game following a night game.

Current backup Anthony Bemboom is a left-handed hitter who probably would be on the bench against Cortes. McCann bats from the right side.

Bemboom seemed more likely to catch tonight while Rutschman served as designated hitter or began the game on the bench. But he's out of the lineup again.

The Orioles placed McCann on the 10-day injured list with a left oblique strain.

Jorge Mateo is out of tonight’s lineup. Hyde said the shortstop has been receiving treatment on his ankle the past few days but is available tonight.

“Nothing to worry about,” Hyde said. “Just, with a day game tomorrow, we’re going to give him a little bit of a breather tonight.”

Grayson Rodriguez is staying on turn and making Tuesday night’s start against the Athletics. Tyler Wells is closing out the Yankees series on Sunday, followed by Kyle Gibson on Monday.

Hyde said it’s “probable” that Rodriguez pitches on the rookie’s T-shirt night. The first 10,000 fans 15 and over receive it.

“I hope we have 47,000 people for that,” Hyde said.

Cole Irvin tonight makes his second start with the Orioles. He debuted against the Red Sox and allowed six runs and eight hits in four-plus innings.

Irvin has made one career start against the Yankees and allowed five runs in seven innings on June 29, 2022.

Isiah Kiner-Falefa is 2-for-16 against Irvin. Josh Donaldson is 3-for-8 with two doubles and a home run, but he went on the 15-day injured list this morning with a right hamstring strain.

Anthony Santander was 0-for-13 before his double yesterday in the third inning.

The Orioles are 4-1 when scoring first this season.

The Yankees made a switch in their rotation, with Brito starting tonight and Cortes, the former Orioles Rule 5 pick, moved to Sunday afternoon.

Brito made his major league debut last Sunday and shut out the Giants on two hits with six strikeouts over five innings. He’s the Yankees’ No. 27 prospect, per MLB Pipeline rankings.  The Yankees recalled him from Triple-A this morning.

In other moves, the Yankees placed pitcher Jonathan Loaisiga on the injured list with right elbow inflammation and selected outfielder Willie Calhoun’s contract.

Ramón Urías will receive his Rawlings Gold Glove before tonight’s game. Hyde will be honored for winning the Baseball America Manager of the Year award and the Sporting News American League Manager of the Year award.

Triple-A Norfolk pitcher Bruce Zimmermann suffered a cut on his right thumb (non-throwing hand) that required stitches. He won’t make his next start, originally scheduled for last night before the rainout.

For the Orioles
Cedric Mullins CF
Adley Rutschman C
Anthony Santander DH
Ryan Mountcastle 1B
Gunnar Henderson SS
Austin Hays LF
Adam Frazier 2B
Ramón Urías 3B
Terrin Vavra RF

Cole Irvin LHP

For the Yankees
DJ LeMahieu 3B
Aaron Judge CF
Anthony Rizzo 1B
Giancarlo Stanton DH
Gleyber Torres 2B
Oswaldo Cabrera RF
Aaron Hicks LF
Kyle Higashioka C
Anthony Volpe SS

Jhony Brito RHP