NEW YORK—After needing the bullpen for nine innings in their past two games, the Orioles added two relievers for Saturday’s game against the New York Yankees. Left-hander Dietrich Enns, who had been on the injured list with a left foot infection, and Nick Raquet, another lefty, were recalled from Triple-A Norfolk.
Right-hander Tyler Wells was optioned to Norfolk, and right-hander Albert Suárez was designated for assignment.
“Albert Suárez, what he can do for us is extremely valuable,” manager Craig Albernaz said. “We needed fresh arms.”
Wells is one of the few relievers with options, and he pitched in consecutive games. He’s 0-1 with a 3.44 ERA in 14 games.
“They’re all tough conversations,” Albernaz said. “Wells was really tough just because of what he means to us and the team, especially that bullpen group.”
Wells, who started four games in September after returning from right elbow surgery in June 2024, isn’t going to Norfolk to stretch out as a starter.
“He’s going to be a bullpen guy,” Albernaz said. “We will want him to be a valuable piece for us in the bullpen, and right now, it’s we need a fresh arm. Like I told Tyler, ‘Just keep doing what you’re doing. We’ll see you soon.’
“These conversations are always tough, but he handled it like a pro, and I can’t wait to see him.”
Enns had a 4.15 ERA in three games before landing on the IL on April 4th. Raquet had a 16.20 ERA in two games.
Gibson to start Sunday
Another move will be needed before Sunday’s game since the Orioles will start Trey Gibson, last year’s minor league player of the year.
Gibson, a 24-year-old right-hander, is 2-2 with a 4.01 ERA in six starts for Norfolk.
“The biggest thing with Trey is we just want him to be Trey,” Albernaz said. “It’s going to be a fun day for him. I just want to tell him when I see him, to embrace the moment. Have some fun with it. You put a lot of work in throughout his whole life to get to this point. He has great stuff and I want him to trust his stuff and be the best version of him.:
He’ll be the first starting pitcher in Oriole history to make his debut at Yankee Stadium.
Dean Kremer was the last Oriole starter to make his debut against the Yankees, but it was at Camden Yards on September 6th, 2020.
Who closes without Helsley?
Ryan Helsley is on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation, and the Orioles will have to look elsewhere for a closer in his absence.
Helsley, who has seven saves in seven chances, can’t return until May 14th.
Albernaz said the Orioles have several choices.
“It all depends on where the game is at,” Albernaz said. “We have a lot of guys … that we feel can pitch the ninth for us. We’re very fortunate to have that.”
He mentioned Rico Garcia, Andrew Kittredge, Anthony Nunez and perhaps Grant Wolfram as options.
“I think we have three or four guys that we really feel comfortable with,” Albernaz said.
Orioles-Yankees starting lineups
Orioles
Taylor Ward-LF
Gunnar Henderson-SS
Adley Rutschman-C
Pete Alonso-1B
Tyler O’Neill-RF
Coby Mayo-3B
Jeremiah Jackson-2B
Weston Wilson-3B
Blaze Alexander-CF
Kyle Bradish-RHP
Yankees
Trent Grisham-CF
Ben Rice-1B
Aaron Judge-RF
Cody Bellinger-LF
Jazz Chisholm-2B
Jasson Domínguez-DH
J.C. Escarra-C
Ryan McMahon-3B
José Caballero-SS
Austin Wells-C
Ryan Weathers-LHP
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