David Hess will make MLB debut with start Saturday afternoon versus Rays

The Orioles didn’t announce their starter for Saturday afternoon until late Friday night — but it’s fairly noteworthy.

Right-hander David Hess will be recalled and make his big league debut in Saturday’s opener of a one-admission doubleheader at 3:05 p.m. against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Hess, 24, last pitched Tuesday morning for Triple-A Norfolk, and was splendid, allowing one hit in seven innings while striking out 10 batters. He threw an efficient 84 pitches.

The Orioles initially were steering away from using Hess as a starter Saturday since he’ll be on three-days rest for his debut instead of the conventional four days. However, the team also promoted Jimmy Yacabonis on Friday to take Chris Tillman’s spot on the roster and Yacabonis can help tag-team Saturday’s first game if needed.

Showalter said Mike Wright and Pedro Araujo also could be available out of the bullpen.

“(He only threw 84 pitches). He didn’t have a work day (this week), we prepared for it and we also had Yacabonis here. We also get Araujo back and probably have Mike Wright back,” Showalter said. “We should have plenty to cover.”

A fifth-round pick in 2014 out of Tennessee Tech, Hess (pictured above while with Bowie) was added to the Orioles’ 40-man roster this winter after going 11-9 with a 3.85 ERA in 27 games for Double-A Bowie.

This season, the 6-foot-2, 180-pound Hess is 2-0 with a 2.12 ERA in six starts for Norfolk. He has allowed 20 hits and 12 walks while striking out 29 batters in 29 2/3 innings. Opponents were hitting just .189 against him.

Hess was initially recalled April 15, but did not pitch and was sent back to Norfolk the next day.