The Orioles made the necessary move to freshen their bullpen this morning by selecting Albert Suárez’s contract from Triple-A Norfolk.

They’re happy that he’s back. He’s elated, smiling and shaking hands with a few teammates after walking into the clubhouse and embracing manager Craig Albernaz.

Suárez can be used in a variety of roles. He was stretched out to 75 pitches in camp and is capable of covering more innings than anyone else in the ‘pen.

“It’s a great value,” Albernaz said. “That’s something that when we talked to him in spring training about him not making the Opening Day roster, that’s something that we reiterated to him multiple times. Just the value that he brings to us and the organization, and right now this is where it’s happening.

“We’re excited to have Albie here. He’s just a great teammate, great competitor, and he can pitch.”

In baseball’s small world, Albernaz caught Suárez in the Rays organization, so their relationship goes back many years.

“That was when he was a young prospect,” Albernaz said. “Albert’s been through some things, man. When he first got put on the 40-man, he got pretty sick if I remember correctly and I think he missed a whole year. And then, to kind of see him just to keep on developing and getting better and refining his craft, and honestly just never giving up on his dream to be here, and that’s kind of where he’s at now.

“That’s something where it’s really tough to bet against a guy who’s been through adversity, that has to prove himself, continue to get better, and that’s another reason why he’s going to make a huge impact for us, just because of the person he is and what he’s gone through. But also, he has that attitude of, he’s consistently trying to get better.

“For me personally, it’s just pumped to see how he’s evolved, the person he is, the family man he is, the father. It’s just a really cool thing.’

Orioles relievers allowed seven runs last night after Zach Eflin’s early departure due to right elbow discomfort that landed him on the 15-day injured list. They’ve posted a 5.40 ERA in five games that ranks 22nd in the majors.

Suárez joins the group for today’s series finale against the Rangers.

The club doesn’t need a fifth starter until Tuesday, and could adjust the order and days of rest.

Asked whether the Orioles will address the rotation later or if Suárez could factor into it, Albernaz replied, “Yeah, both. He’s factoring into that, and then also, kind of read and react to how guys line up and how guys are feeling, both here and also in Norfolk.”

Dean Kremer couldn’t be recalled this week unless replacing an injured player. He’s supposed to start for the Tides on Friday in Memphis.

The Orioles moved infielder Jordan Westburg to the 60-day injured list and he can’t return before May 24.

Albernaz said that Westburg, who received a platelet-rich plasma injection in his right elbow in spring training, is swinging a bat and “throwing a baseball-ish.”

Leody Taveras is making his first Orioles start today, playing center field with Dylan Beavers in left and Colton Cowser in right. Cowser was the primary left fielder before switching to center. Beavers has played right and center with the Orioles before today.

Adley Rutschman is on the bench again. Taylor Ward is leading off after his four-hit night and serving as designated hitter. Coby Mayo is batting fifth. Jeremiah Jackson is the second baseman.

For the Orioles
Taylor Ward DH
Gunnar Henderson SS
Pete Alonso 1B
Samuel Basallo C
Coby Mayo 3B
Dylan Beavers LF
Colton Cowser RF
Leody Taveras CF
Jeremiah Jackson 2B

Trevor Rogers LHP

For the Rangers
Brandon Nimmo DH
Wyatt Langford CF
Corey Seager SS
Jake Burger 1B
Andrew McCutchen RF
Danny Jansen C
Josh Jung 3B
Ezequiel Duran 2B
Sam Haggerty LF

Nathan Eovaldi RHP

On this date in 1998, Scott Erickson earned his 100th major league win in the Orioles’ 10-1 victory over the Royals, and Ray Miller picked up his first win since managing the Twins in 1986.

On this date in 2002, Tony Batista hit a grand slam and the Orioles scored seven runs off Roger Clemens to spoil his Yankees debut in a 10-3 win on Opening Day at Camden Yards. Later that night, the University of Maryland’s men’s basketball team won the NCAA title.

Here are the starters for the series in Pittsburgh, with the Orioles facing three more right-handers:

Friday: RHP Kyle Bradish vs. RHP Mitch Keller
Saturday: RHP Shane Baz vs. RHP Carmen Mlodzinski
Sunday: RHP Chris Bassitt vs. RHP Braxton Ashcraft