Hyde on Rutschman: "He's going to be just fine"

Adley Rutschman will return to his catching duties on Sunday afternoon, and could come off the bench today. He’s in good health. The team has no concerns about his slow start at the plate.

It’s just being careful with him after the spring training triceps injury. It’s not going to catch him in a day game following a night game. And it won’t bury Robinson Chirinos, who is in today’s lineup.

Rutschman is 7-for-47 (.149) with a double and triple in 12 games. No home runs or RBIs. He struck out three times last night to raise his total to 14 – seven in his last three games – but also lined out to Ernie Clement, who raced to the line and made the running catch in the fifth inning to temporarily preserve Shane Bieber’s no-hit bid.

Thursday night’s 10-inning loss to the Mariners ended with Rutschman lining into the shift, the expected batting average .960.

Expectations were raised to such heights that manager Brandon Hyde said, “That’s why I was downplaying it so much.

Leftovers for breakfast

Cionel Pérez has been so successful and dependable for the Orioles this season that any stumble feels like a hard fall.

Manager Brandon Hyde replaced starter Jordan Lyles with Pérez Thursday night after the veteran let the first three Mariners reach base in the sixth and allowed a run-scoring single to Eugenio Suarez. Hyde wanted Pérez to face the left-handed hitting Adam Frazier, and the inning never really matters.

It's all about the matchup.

Frazier lifted a sacrifice fly, Pérez walked the next two batters – including left-handed hitting Taylor Trammell - and Joey Krehbiel surrendered a two-run single to Luis Torrens.

Only the second earned run charged to Pérez this season in 20 games, his first since May 12 in St. Louis. His ERA skyrocketed to 1.08.

Orioles recall Vespi and Nevin (plus lineups and notes)

The Orioles announced the reported roster move this afternoon, with reliever Joey Krehbiel going on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation and left-hander Nick Vespi being recalled from Triple-A Norfolk.

But there were others.

Tyler Nevin was recalled from Norfolk and infielder Chris Owings went on the bereavement list. Nevin is starting at third base tonight.

Infielder Jahmai Jones was placed on unconditional release waivers. Jones underwent Tommy John surgery last week.

Adley Rutschman is catching Bruce Zimmermann tonight. Ramón Urías is on the bench.

Orioles DFA Jahmai Jones, Cody Sedlock poised for debut

BOSTON – The Orioles designated infielder Jahmai Jones for assignment this morning to create room on the 40-man roster for pitcher Cody Sedlock, whose contract they selected from Triple-A Norfolk.

Sedlock is in the bullpen for today's doubleheader. Jones is in limbo a day after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

Jones was acquired from the Angels on Feb. 2, 2021 for starter Alex Cobb. He appeared in 26 games last season and went 10-for-67 (.149) with a .402 OPS.

Reliever Beau Sulser was optioned after allowing two runs and seven hits last night in three innings. Denyi Reyes is the 27th man for the doubleheader after the Orioles recalled him, and manager Brandon Hyde said the right-hander probably will start the nightcap.

The plan would change if Reyes, set for his first major league start and second appearance, is needed in relief for the opener.

Notes on taxi squad, Saturday starters, Watkins, Jones and Mateo

BOSTON – The Orioles brought a small taxi squad to Boston for the five-game series, and it could provide a clue to the identity of Saturday’s starter.

Right-handers Denyi Reyes and Cody Sedlock reported to Fenway Park, along with catcher Cody Roberts.

Reyes is on the 40-man roster and could start one of the doubleheader games. Sedlock is a non-roster pitcher who became a candidate simply by making the trip.

Sedlock was supposed to start Thursday at Triple-A Norfolk until a rainout the previous day pushed DL Hall into a doubleheader with Zac Lowther. Grayson Rodriguez is pitching tonight for the Tides.

The Orioles selected Sedlock with the 27th overall pick in the 2016 draft out of the University of Illinois, and he’s waiting to make his major league debut. He has a 5.83 ERA and 1.466 WHIP in eight games (four starts) this season, with 35 strikeouts in 29 1/3 innings.

Jones undergoes elbow surgery (plus lineup and notes)

BOSTON – Infielder Jahmai Jones underwent Tommy John surgery today on his right elbow and is done playing for the 2022 season.

Jones, 24, was batting .212/.339/.343 with five doubles, one triple, two home runs and seven RBIs in 27 games with Triple-A Norfolk.

The Orioles acquired Jones from the Angels on Feb. 2, 2021 for starter Alex Cobb. He returned to the majors on Aug. 24, appeared in 26 games and went 10-for-67 (.149).

Dr. Timothy Kremcheck performed the surgery in Cincinnati. 

The Orioles begin a five-game series tonight at Fenway Park with Kyle Bradish facing the team that provided the opposition for his major league debut.

A former teammate's take on Shed Long Jr. (updated)

A former teammate's take on Shed Long Jr. (updated)
Representatives for Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association met until early this morning in Jupiter, Fla., while trying to hammer out a new collective bargaining agreement, moving much closer to one than seemed possible when the sun came up. Blowing past the MLB-imposed deadline that softened and providing reasons to feel a little better about the state of the sport in 2022. Various reports in the afternoon and early evening created a sense of optimism, but were followed after 9...

Two more Orioles spring training storylines

Two more Orioles spring training storylines
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The little we've learned in recent days

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Latest sampling of spring training storylines

Latest sampling of spring training storylines
Baseball remains in lockout mode, but representatives for ownership and the union met on back-to-back days. Communication is better than complete silence. My hot take. Per reports, Major League Baseball increased its proposal to raise the minimum salary for players with up to one year of service time from $600,000 to $615,000. MLB also proposed a $10 million bonus pool for pre-arbitration-eligible players, while the union has sought $105 million. Lots of work to be done, but this is...

Another sampling of Orioles spring training storylines

Another sampling of Orioles spring training storylines
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The more you know about Orioles hitters

The more you know about Orioles hitters
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Rewinding an Orioles roster review

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Some early assumptions on Orioles

Some early assumptions on Orioles
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Anticipating some Orioles camp competitions

Anticipating some Orioles camp competitions
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How does Odor's signing impact Jones?

How does Odor's signing impact Jones?
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Wondering whether Orioles acquire another outfielder

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Leftovers for breakfast

Leftovers for breakfast
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A day for giving thanks

A day for giving thanks
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Can Stewart solidify his spot on 40-man roster?

Can Stewart solidify his spot on 40-man roster?
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