Wells switching to bullpen on rehab assignment and beyond (plus other notes)

Tyler Wells is moving from Double-A Bowie to Triple-A Norfolk, where he’ll pitch in relief Wednesday night in a new twist to his injury rehab assignment that reverts back to his past.

Wells made three starts with the Baysox and allowed three runs in 8 2/3 innings. The Orioles restricted him to two innings and 27 pitches on Saturday as part of their plan.

“We’re going to shorten his outings a little bit, just have him throw less pitches and less innings and kind of see how that goes,” said manager Brandon Hyde. “But we’re really encouraged by giving him some rest, giving him some time off. He’s throwing the ball much better here as of late, so we’re going to put him in Norfolk.

“Different ball, more like the major league baseball, and put him in the bullpen there and then see how that goes.”

Wells was a Rule 5 reliever in 2021 before the Orioles converted him back to starter the following spring. They’re using a six-man rotation and can more easily control Wells’ innings in the bullpen after he threw 113 2/3 this season, 10 more than last year.

“Definitely want to see what that looks like, because of how Tyler pitched out of the bullpen a couple years ago, how well he did there,” Hyde said. “He’s thrown a lot of innings this year for us in the rotation, and kind of where we are, hopefully we can stay healthy the rest of the way. But we want to see what it looks like out of the ‘pen right now.”

The condition of outfielder Anthony Santander’s back has improved. He’s out of the lineup for the third game in a row but could be used later tonight.

Santander apparently has avoided a trip to the injured list.

“Pretty sore the last few days,” Hyde said. “A lot better today, so should be available off the bench tonight.”

Reliever Austin Voth completed his injury rehab assignment at Norfolk. The Orioles haven’t made a move with him.

“Nothing new,” Hyde said. "We're just kind of monitoring where we are, how he's doing, and seeing where our bullpen is on a daily basis."

John Means threw on the field today after making his third start with Bowie.

“It’s always been an early September where he would be ready,” Hyde said, “and we’ll see how our roster looks at that point and see how it goes.”

Gunnar Henderson is batting third again tonight against Blue Jays left-hander Yusei Kikuchi, after collecting four hits Sunday in Oakland and coming within a single of the cycle. Henderson has vaulted into favored status for American League Rookie of the Year.

“He should,” Hyde said. “I’ve said that the last couple days. He’s had just an incredible rookie year. And I don’t think what gets talked about enough is the defense he’s played in two positions, what he’s done at shortstop, what he’s done at third base. It’s extremely advanced and unbelievably consistent and steady for us. And the way he swings the bat, he’s a difference maker and a game changer. The speed he has.

“What he did that last day in Oakland was incredibly special. Four extra-base hits in a game and taking lefties deep. Just amazing, the talent he has and how far he’s come and what he’s dealt with early in the year and battled through adversity and battled through some struggles. These last few months he’s just been an incredible player.”

No Oriole has won the award since closer Gregg Olson in 1989. There have been six overall, including Ron Hansen in 1960, Curt Blefary in 1965, Al Bumbry in 1973, Eddie Murray in 1977 and Cal Ripken Jr. in 1982.

For the Blue Jays
Whit Merrifield 2B
Bo Bichette SS
Brandon Belt DH
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 1B
George Springer RF
Daulton Varsho LF
Matt Chapman 3B
Danny Jansen C
Kevin Kiermaier CF

Yusei Kikuchi LHP