Orioles will start Bradish, Rodriguez and Burnes against Rays; Updates on Hays, Mateo, Bautista

ST. PETERSBURG, Florida—Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said that Kyle Bradish, who last pitched on Saturday against Tampa Bay, will face the Rays on Saturday afternoon. Grayson Rodriguez will start on Sunday and Corbin Burnes will start on Monday in the final game of the four-game series against another American League East opponent.

Bradish’s turn normally would have come on Thursday, but the Orioles wanted to give him an extra day of rest. They promoted left-hander Cade Povich to start against the Blue Jays, and he remains with the team.

Injury updates on Hays, Mateo, Bautista

Hyde said that outfielder Austin Hays, who was hit in the ribs by a pitch on Thursday, had X-rays, which were negative.

“They were pretty swollen. It was a big bruise there,” Hays said. “The ball dropped immediately. It was quite an impact. It’s pretty sore. Glad about the X-ray. That was a relief, but he’s going to go test it, go to the cage and try to hit. I’m hoping he’s available.”

Infielder/outfielder Jorge Mateo remains on the 7-day concussion injured list and, according to Hyde, “he’s increasing baseball activities. He’s going to take some ground balls here today, maybe a little batting practice, improving every day.”

Félix Bautista, who’s rehabbing from Tommy John surgery in Sarasota, threw on the field before the game.

“Awesome to see him, looks amazing. He’s in unbelievable shape,” Hyde said. “I watched him throw. He threw the ball great. To have him around brings a smile to everyone’s face. Just such a warm guy and everybody loves him. To have him around here is fantastic. It was awesome to say hello to him earlier today.”

Note: Tyler Wells, who executive vice president/general manager Mike Elias said would have season-ending right elbow surgery, is also with the team.