Orioles hope that Tyler Wells, Hunter Harvey, Scott and Zimmermann return soon; Rutschman’s 1st game for Norfolk

BALTIMORE—Dealing with a five-game losing streak punctuated by awful relief pitching over the weekend, the Orioles are hoping to find relief in the form of some of their missing pitchers.

Right-handed reliever Tyler Wells threw on the field on Tuesday, and manager Brandon Hyde was impressed. Wells has bee out because of tendinitis in his right wrist.

“He had a simulated inning off the mound,” Hyde said. “He looked great. The fastball was there. He threw some very good curveballs, sliders and changeups. Encouraged with how he came off the mound. We’re just going to wait to see how he responds tomorrow and, hopefully, he’ll be back for us in a couple of days.”

Left-hander Tanner Scott, who’s on the injured list because of a sprained left knee, threw a side session. Hyde hopes that he’s ready in a few days.

Right-hander Hunter Harvey, who has been sidelined because of a right lat sprain, is in Sarasota, Florida, and Hyde expects him to pitch in a Florida Complex League game soon. Hyde is projecting that Harvey will return between August 15^th-20th.

Left-hander Bruce Zimmermann is starting for Triple-A Norfolk. Zimmermann has missed nearly two months because of left biceps tendinitis. It will be his third rehab start, his second with the Tides.

There was some thought that Zimmermann would return to the Orioles after his last game, but it was decided he needed another rehab start.

“We wanted him to go five innings, and he went four-plus,” Hyde said. “We just wanted to see him get one more start down there. Hopefully, he’s up for next time through [the rotation].”

Catcher Pedro Severino remains out of the lineup because of a bruised right knee. Hyde said he’s day-to-day.

Infielder Terrin Vavra, who’s been out because of a back injury, played his first rehab game for the Florida Complex League Orange Team, and went 2-for-3.

Outfielder Yusniel Diaz, who was rehabbing his turf toe injury at Double-A Bowie, is back with Triple-A Norfolk.

“D has battled injury stuff the last two years, and that’s why he’s gotten inconsistent at-bats,” Hyde said. “When he first got here a couple of years ago, I thought he really swung the bat well. I liked the tools he had, drove the ball to all fields, played with a ton of energy in the outfield. I liked his arm. It’s been a struggle for him. He’s had a tough time staying healthy.

“I’d like to see him finish the season strong and have a good two months.”

Rutschman’s first game: Adley Rutschman will catch Zimmermann and bat second for Norfolk against Memphis in his first game with the Tides on Tuesday night.

“In our situation, any time prospects are playing well and advancing, that’s good news,” Hyde said. “That’s good news, so congratulations to Adley on earning at Triple-A promotion. It’s good to see him rise through our system and get closer.”

Notes: Outfielder Colton Cowser, the Orioles’ first-round draft choice, went 2-for-3. He’s batting .688 (11-for-16) with a home runs and seven RBIs. … Outfielder Shayne Fontana was promoted from High-A Aberdeen to Bowie while catcher Chris Hudgins and right-hander Tyler Joyner return to the Baysox from the Tides.