Orioles facing many more 40-man moves

Orioles facing many more 40-man moves
The early work on the Orioles' 40-man roster consisted of one move that probably didn't require hours of study, deliberation and angst. The team likes Travis Lakins Sr. Manager Brandon Hyde talked about the reliever's recovery from elbow surgery and the likelihood that he'd be ready for spring training. But it made no sense to move Lakins from the 60-day injured list to a 40-man roster that requires heavy cuts. A chain saw rather than a pocket knife. Teams figured to pass on Lakins after he...

Orioles lose Burdi on waivers and outright Lakins

Orioles lose Burdi on waivers and outright Lakins
The Orioles began work this afternoon on a 40-man roster that must undergo significant changes to accommodate injured players and prospects eligible for the Rule 5 draft. One spot opened up when reliever Zack Burdi was put on waivers and claimed today by the Diamondbacks. The 40-man now holds 39 players. Burdi was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk on Aug. 30 and made his lone appearance with the Orioles on Sept. 6, tossing a scoreless inning against the Royals. He was optioned the next day. The...

Hyde on Baumann, López and Harvey, Mancini on oblique

Hyde on Baumann, López and Harvey, Mancini on oblique
The Orioles made a series of pitching moves before tonight's game, setting up the possibility of achieving one club record and tying another during the series against the Royals. Besides recalling Mike Baumann from Triple-A Norfolk and placing Jorge López on the 10-day injured list, the Orioles also selected the contract of reliever Manny Barreda from Norfolk and optioned reliever Zack Burdi to the Tides. Reliever Hunter Harvey was transferred to the 60-day injured list to create a spot for...

Expanded roster still stretching Orioles thin

Expanded roster still stretching Orioles thin
Grant manager Brandon Hyde one baseball wish and he could go in pretty much any direction, no GPS capable of leading him to an exact spot. Give him a bunch, however, and he's demanding more length out of an expanded roster. The bump from 26 to 28 players just doesn't cut it. He'd rub the shine off the genie lamp for a deeper bench and pitching staff. "I wish we had a 35-man roster in September this year," he said yesterday morning, sitting in the dugout for his media session and confirming...

Lowther impresses but Orioles lose lead and game (updated)

Lowther impresses but Orioles lose lead and game (updated)
The door opens so wide for Orioles in search of an opportunity, it's a wonder that the hinges don't snap in half. Faces have been reddened by that same door slamming shut, the failures bound to leave a mark. Zac Lowther got his latest chance this afternoon after making one appearance each in April, May and June, and two in July. Manager Brandon Hyde suggested that the rookie would receive multiple starts and, hopefully, open some eyes in the front office. Maybe wider than the door. Lowther...

Orioles lineup, Hyde on bench and Fry, Burdi on new team

Orioles lineup, Hyde on bench and Fry, Burdi on new team
Center fielder Cedric Mullins is out of tonight's Orioles lineup for the opener of a three-game series in Toronto. Manager Brandon Hyde is resting him. There isn't an injury situation. Ryan McKenna, recalled this afternoon, is playing center and batting seventh. Austin Hays is leading off and playing left field. Jahmai Jones also is counted among the four reserves. Jorge Mateo is the second baseman tonight, with Ramón Urías at shortstop. Ryan Mountcastle is batting second again. A...

Orioles recall Burdi and McKenna

Orioles recall Burdi and McKenna
The Orioles are carrying a four-man bench in Toronto today after recalling reliever Zack Burdi and outfielder Ryan McKenna from Triple-A Norfolk. Spots were opened yesterday with the Orioles optioning pitchers Paul Fry and Spenser Watkins. Burdi, a former first-round pick out of the University of Louisville, was selected off waivers from the White Sox on Aug. 18. He has an 8.27 ERA and 1.898 WHIP in 14 major league relief appearances covering 16 1/3 innings, but he averages 12.7 strikeouts per...

Mateo moving fast into Orioles' future plans

Mateo moving fast into Orioles' future plans
The freedom to expand their roster by two players on Wednesday also is going to increase the Orioles' level of health. Lowering the chances of the bench running out of available bodies. Anthony Santander is playing with a sore ankle. Ramón Urías is dealing with soreness in his upper right leg and groin area. Jorge Mateo was unavailable for a few days with discomfort in his lower back. DJ Stewart had a sore knee that kept him on the bench. Pedro Severino also was restricted by a sore knee...

Orioles and Rays lineups, Burdi claimed off waivers (updated)

Orioles and Rays lineups, Burdi claimed off waivers (updated)
Is this going to be the night? The Orioles' losing streak has reached 13 games, one short of their season high that closed out May. Rookie Spenser Watkins will try to be the stopper while making his third appearance against the Rays. Watkins held them to one run in six innings and struck out seven batters on July 19 at Tropicana Field and allowed four earned runs (five total) and eight hits in six innings on Aug. 7 in Baltimore. Yandy Díaz and Nelson Cruz homered off Watkins in the rematch....