Orioles add López, Hicks to roster; Voth designated for assignment, Cowser optioned

PHOENIX–The Orioles activated right-hander Jorge López, whom they acquired off waivers from Miami, and outfielder Aaron Hicks, who had been on the 10-day injured list because of a back injury, for Sunday’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

To make room for López and Hicks, the Orioles designated right-hander Austin Voth for assignment and optioned outfielder Colton Cowser to Triple-A Norfolk after Saturday’s game.

López will join a bullpen that includes only two pitchers, Joey Krehbiel and Cionel Pérez, who were teammates when he was traded to Minnesota in August 2022. One of the pitchers in the bullpen, right-hander Yennier Cano, came to the Orioles in the trade.

“I’m really glad. I’m really grateful to get this job,” López said. “I’m excited to join a team where I had success. That’s what I’m looking for.”

López said coming to the Orioles in 2020 was wonderful for him and sending him to the bullpen in late 2021 helped him become an American League All-Star last year.

“I became a new guy when I got here,” he said. “It’s on me to get my routine going and my preparation and my mind.  I’m a brand-new guy. I’m trying to do the best I can to be successful and try to get some wins.”

López hasn’t pitched since August 29th for Miami.

“I definitely want to get him on the mound as soon as possible,” manager Brandon Hyde said. “We don’t have much time left. Hopefully, he can help us. We really believe in his stuff.”

Voth was 1-2 with a 5.19 earned-run average in 25 games and missed more than two months because of a right elbow injury.

“It’s the unfortunate part of this game, and Austin’s done a lot of good things for us the last couple of years,” Hyde said.

Hicks had been on the injured list for the second time with a lower back strain. Cowser, who was recalled when rosters expanded from 26 to 28 on September 1st, did not play in the first two games against the Diamondbacks.

Notes: Hyde said there’s nothing new on closer Félix Bautista, who injured his elbow but is traveling with the club. “We’re waiting for the inflammation to go down before we reassess,” Hyde said. “Let the inflammation die down and then we’re going to make some decisions after that.” … Ryan Mountcastle, who missed the last two games because of illness (he missed time previously because of vertigo), is in the starting lineup. So is Anthony Santander, who was hit by a pitch on the back of his right hand in the ninth inning of Saturday night’s game. … Hicks is playing left field on Sunday against the Diamondbacks.  …Hyde said that pitcher John Means will get one more rehab start at Triple-A Norfolk. … Grayson Rodriguez (4-3, 5.03) and Kenny Rosenberg (0-0, 6.43) are scheduled to start when the Orioles face the Los Angeles Angels for three games beginning on Monday at 9:38 ET. Dean Kremer (12-5, 4.20) and Reid Detmers (3-10, 5.01) are scheduled to pitch on Tuesday, and Kyle Gibson (13-8, 5.15) and Patrick Sandoval (7-11, 4.19) are scheduled for Wednesday.