Orioles notes on rest days, roster moves and more (tied 2-2)

Orioles manager Buck Showalter wanted to give third baseman Tim Beckham a rest day after playing him on three consecutive nights. Just being careful with a player who underwent core muscle surgery.

"He feels good, there's no problem," Showalter said. "Just want to keep him that way and not push this too quickly. He'll be back in there tomorrow.

"I was talking to him today about how he felt. He's been tested a lot. He said he feels great. Wasn't happy about not playing today."

Showalter intended to play rookie Steve Wilkerson today and the choices were third base or second base, which would have led to Jonathan Schoop getting a day off.

Adam Jones is fine physically to play today, but Showalter also wanted him to rest. He's banged up, but no more than usual.

"I've been looking for a day for him," Showalter said, "and today is the day."

Showalter marveled at Jones' ability to score from second base last night on a line drive to left field, a "seed" off the bat of Mark Trumbo.

"I can't tell you how few people will score on that ball," Showalter said, "and that's a baseball player, that's a lead, that's a secondary lead, that's anticipation of the swing through the zone. He's a third base coach's dream. In fact, we're going to show it in the next advance meeting.

"So where does that show up in evaluation or analytics? His anticipation, his baseball player skills. That is a really hard ball to score on

"That was an impressive play last night that he scored on it. Bobby (Dickerson) came in talking about it. He said, 'And that's why he's Adam Jones.' "

The Orioles recalled catcher Chance Sisco as Austin Wynns' replacement. Sisco was eligible today to return.

"Still the biggest jump in sports, but he did a nice job down there," Showalter said. "They were talking about how well he was doing, especially the last five or six days, so get him back up here and get him in the mix."

And give Caleb Joseph a breather.

"I know Caleb's, I wouldn't say running on empty, but Caleb's been catching every day and it's a quick turn around with a day game," Showalter said. "In a perfect world I would have liked to have given Chance a day to get settled in, but Caleb's pretty banged up. That ball he took in the throat the other night ... it's been tough. He's been catching every day almost."

Sisco went 6-for-17 with one home run in five games with Norfolk and 0-for-10 throwing out runners attempting to steal, though blame doesn't always fall on the catcher.

"Chance went down there and did what we asked him to do and we got him back and we'll play him and Caleb," Showalter said. "It won't necessarily be a strict platoon, but could be, depending on how it falls. We know we're getting right, left, right against Anaheim. We know they only have two left-handed hitters. It's more about today now, but we're going to make use of all their skills and keep them all in the mix.

"And also, part of Chance's development is two steps forward, one step back. We'll keep trying to do what's best for his long-term development and success."

Wynns heads back to Norfolk and will get in the mix after starting only once with the Orioles following Joseph's return.

"Austin is as advertised," Showalter said. "He's a guy you like. Touch, catch, throw, baseball player, always engaged. Came as advertised. All the minor league managers that had him really like him on their club. He was, not refreshing, but it's just nice when a sincere guy comes up here. He's on every day. He's ready. He appreciates the opportunity and he'll get another one I'm sure."

David Hess will start Friday night's series opener against the Angels at Camden Yards if he isn't used today in relief. The Orioles understand that Jimmy Yacabonis is likely to be done after five innings in his first major league start, but they have Yefry Ramirez to back up.

"Yacabonis, if you look at his track record and what he's done, to think he's going to pitch more than five innings would be, I think, pushing it a little bit," Showalter said. "Now, if he throws 45 pitches and is in the sixth inning, you'll probably see him out there again."

Ramirez was recalled, with left-hander Donnie Hart optioned, to provide length if Yacabonis exits early. He's on three days' rest, but still can provide some innings. And he is on the 40-man roster.

"I'd really like to stay away from David Hess doing nothing but starting on his regular day tomorrow," Showalter said. "That's really a lot of what this is about, too."

Dylan Bundy doesn't appear to be walking with a limp after spraining his left ankle Saturday in Atlanta. He'll throw off flat ground to start his progression and is expected to be activated on July 6.

"Trying to get two workdays in there, but with the way they've got it set up with the flat ground, I think it will be one day," Showalter said.

Chris Tillman is scheduled to pitch five innings Saturday at Triple-A Norfolk.

For the Mariners
Dee Gordon 2B
Jean Segura SS
Mitch Haniger RF
Nelson Cruz DH
Ben Gamel LF
Ryon Healy 1B
Chris Hermann C
Guillermo Heredia CF
Andrew Romine 3B

Mike Leake RHP

Update: Nelson Cruz hit a two-run homer off Yacabonis in the top of the fourth inning and Manny Machado responded with a solo shot off Mike Leake to reduce the lead to 2-1.

Update II: Chris Davis homered to left-center field in the fourth to tie the game.