masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgThe Orioles made another adjustment to their infield this afternoon, designating Rio Ruiz for assignment and selecting Stevie Wilkerson’s contract from Triple-A Norfolk.
Wilkerson returns to the majors for the first time since fracturing his left ring finger in a July exhibition game in Philadelphia. He was batting .357/.438/.476 (15-for-42) with two doubles and a home run in 12 games with the Tides.
Ruiz, claimed off waivers from the Braves at the 2018 Winter Meetings, was 15-for-90 (.167)…

The Orioles made another adjustment to their infield this afternoon, designating Rio Ruiz for assignment and selecting Stevie Wilkerson’s contract from Triple-A Norfolk.

Wilkerson returns to the majors for the first time since fracturing his left ring finger in a July exhibition game in Philadelphia. He was batting .357/.438/.476 (15-for-42) with two doubles and a home run in 12 games with the Tides.

Ruiz, claimed off waivers from the Braves at the 2018 Winter Meetings, was 15-for-90 (.167) with three doubles, three home runs and 29 strikeouts in 32 games.

Though Ruiz has a minor league option, the Orioles needed space for Wilkerson on the 40-man. And optioning Pat Valaika to make room on the active roster wasn’t a consideration because he’s the backup shortstop to Freddy Galvis.

The Orioles broke camp with Ruiz and third baseman Maikel Franco and tried the former at second base, but the lack of offense forced them to make the switch.

Ramón Urías was optioned a few days ago, leaving second base to Wilkerson and Valaika.

The Orioles wanted to increase the versatility on their roster, as I wrote over the weekend, and Wilkerson can play anywhere on the field. They aren’t ready to promote Jahmai Jones and Rylan Bannon.

Jones is on the injured list with a strained oblique and has appeared in only five games with Norfolk.

Thumbnail image for Ruiz-Throws-Orange-2B-Sidebar.jpgRuiz could be outrighted to Norfolk if he clears waivers. He’s played in 213 games with the Orioles, the most for any player since executive vice president/general manager Mike Elias and manager Brandon Hyde were hired.

Ruiz has hit .220/.292/.380 in with 24 home runs in three seasons with the Orioles

The Orioles are playing the Rays tonight for first time in their 41st game of the season. Twenty have come against the Yankees and Red Sox.

Matt Harvey is making his first career start against the Rays.

Tampa Bay right-hander Luis Patiño, 21, was part of the package received from the Padres in exchange for starter Blake Snell. Tonight marks his fourth major league start and 16th appearance.

Patiño has allowed two earned runs (three total) and six hits this season with two walks and 13 strikeouts in 11 2/3 innings. He worked a season-high four innings in his most recent outing against the Yankees.

Left-handers are hitless in seven at-bats.

The Orioles are 6-15 at home and the Rays are 12-7 on the road.

Tampa Bay has won its last four games and has a plus-20 run differential this season.

For the Rays
Randy Arozarena RF
Austin Meadows LF
Ji-Man Choi DH
Brandon Lowe 2B
Yandy Díaz 1B
Joey Wendle 3B
Mike Zunino C
Brett Phillips CF
Willy Adames SS

Luis Patiño RHP

Updated: Wilkerson is starting at second base and batting ninth.

Cedric Mullins CF
Austin Hays LF
Trey Mancini 1B
DJ Stewart RF
Maikel Franco 3B
Freddy Galvis SS
Ryan Mountcastle DH
Chance Sisco C
Stevie Wilkerson 2B

Matt Harvey RHP