The Orioles' five-man rotation is set and announced. Manager Brandon Hyde said today that Jorge López will start the fourth game of the season on April 5 against the Yankees in the Bronx, with Dean Kremer following him on April 6. The group turns over with opening day starter John Means closing out the series and Matt Harvey starting the home opener on April 8 against the Red Sox. López came into camp out of minor league options and perhaps viewed as more likely to work in long relief,...

The Orioles' five-man rotation is set and announced.

Manager Brandon Hyde said today that Jorge López will start the fourth game of the season on April 5 against the Yankees in the Bronx, with Dean Kremer following him on April 6.

The group turns over with opening day starter John Means closing out the series and Matt Harvey starting the home opener on April 8 against the Red Sox.

López came into camp out of minor league options and perhaps viewed as more likely to work in long relief, but he tossed five scoreless innings in his last outing of the spring. He also strung together three straight bullpen appearances with only one run and three hits allowed over nine innings.

Claimed off waivers from the Royals last summer, López struck out 17 batters this spring in 19 2/3 innings.

Kremer will join Zimmermann as rookies in the rotation, with Keegan Akin optioned to Triple-A Norfolk. Kremer had an uneven spring, allowing 11 runs and 17 hits in 15 2/3 innings with eight walks and 16 strikeouts.

Lapses in fastball command were noted by Hyde, but didn't cost Kremer his place on the staff. He also was aided by a final start when he surrendered two runs to the Red Sox and struck out five batters in 4 2/3 innings.

Means was the only lock for the rotation when the Orioles arrived in Sarasota last month. The rest had to earn it.

"I've been really encouraged by Lopie's last few outings," Hyde said today in his Zoom call. "The guy threw the ball outstanding against the Yankees. I thought he showed signs of being a really good starter last year when he was with us. He had some really good starts. So, it's nice to see him be aggressive in the strike zone and have some success this spring, and that was great news to give to him. He's excited about starting Game 4.

"Dean threw the ball well last year for us in his handful of starts. Didn't get off to a really good start this spring, but his last start against Boston showed that he's earned it and really like his stuff, as well. It's fun to tell both those guys that they're going to be in the rotation."

The order behind Means was determined through multiple factors, including the desire to split up left-handers in the rotation and put two right-handers in the back end.

"There's not a ton of science behind it," Hyde said. "Just kind of see how these guys fit. Also, where they landed here a couple weeks ago, where they were in the order. Dean's the youngest of the group, so we're going to give him the least amount of innings, so we're going to pitch him at the end. But I wanted to mix a right-hander in between John and Zim."

Félix Hernández dropped out of the competition with a sore right elbow and his decision today to opt out of his minor league contract.

Left-hander Wade LeBlanc is expected to break camp as a long reliever and swingman, roles that also can be filled by newcomer Adam Plutko.

Outfielder Anthony Santander is missing his sixth game in a row, but should make the opening day roster.

"He is taking at-bats right now on the back field against a couple of pitchers from Twin Lakes, so kind of a controlled environment," Hyde said. "He's back there taking numerous at-bats. He'll also take more at-bats the next couple days.

Santander will hit during Wednesday's workout before the Orioles fly into Boston. He could be starting in right field or serving as the designated hitter the following day.

"If everything goes well, which we're expecting to," Hyde said.

Nothing happened in camp to change Hyde's mind about rotating players into the designated hitter slot. His roll call included Ryan Mountcastle, Austin Hays, Trey Mancini and Maikel Franco.

"There will be a variety of DHs," he said.

Rio Ruiz is starting against at second base, but some infielders will be on the move over the course of the game while others come off the bench.

"He's going to play both second and third today," Hyde said. "Franco is going to play like three innings of third, three innings at first. Rio's going to play three innings of second, three innings of third. Then we're going to see (Pat) Valaika come in after Rio so he gets three or four innings at second base and (Ramón) Urías after (Freddy) Galvis. Just to keep guys sharp."

The Orioles are using three left-handers today: Zimmermann, LeBlanc and Paul Fry.

For the Rays
Yoshi Tsutsugo DH
Randy Arozarena RF
Austin Meadows LF
Yandy Díaz 3B
Francisco Mejia C
Joey Wendle 2B
Willy Adames SS
Kevin Kiermaier CF
Mike Brosseau 1B

Rich Hill LHP