Félix Bautista has returned to Camden Yards, dressing at his locker this afternoon and going outside to play catch on the field before the storm arrived.

Bautista is nearing an injury rehab assignment after recovering from surgery last August to repair his right labrum and rotator cuff.

“It’s just great to have him around,” said manager Craig Albernaz. “Seeing that big smile, and also, you almost forget how massive of a human being he is, the physical presence. So it’s good to have him around and it’s a sign of good things.

“Just like all of our guys, as they are going through the rehab process, to come into Baltimore, check in, have everyone get eyes on them and whatnot. So it’s just really good to see.”

Bautista didn’t pitch in 2024 while recovering from ligament-reconstructive surgery in his right elbow and appeared in 35 games last season before injuring his shoulder. He’ll need to manage his expectations after another lengthy removal from competitive action.

It would be a huge ask to expect the same results and dominance right away that made him an All-Star in 2023 and recipient of the American League’s relief award.

“Yeah, there’s a lot that goes into that,” Albernaz said. “That’s what we’re balancing as a coaching staff, and obviously Félix, as well. And just like we talk about with all our rehab players coming off injury, the biggest thing is their health and make sure we’re not pushing him too hard and Félix is checking all the boxes.

“We’re very aware of that aspect of it, too. And also, what he does being a back end leverage reliever and sitting on your butt for seven, eight innings and then getting ramped up to go into the game. So there’s a lot that goes into it, and that’s why he’s here. We want to make sure he’s in a good spot, we’re supporting him, and make sure he has everything he needs.”

The Orioles switched roles for Triple-A left-hander Luis De León, removing him from the rotation yesterday and using him in short relief bursts. De León, the No. 7 prospect in the organization, tossed a scoreless inning last night but walked three batters.

There’s a possibility that De León could be added to the expanded roster next month.

De León, 23, pitched twice for the Orioles in spring training, including a start, and racked up 2 2/3 scoreless innings with one hit, one walk and two strikeouts. He was reassigned to minor league camp on March 18.

“I was extremely impressed with him,” Albernaz said. “Just his demeanor, especially for a young player, navigating his first big league camp. His first outing was electric. He had a great mound presence about him, pounding the strike zone.

“He has elite stuff. A little funky arm angle, too. And for him, it’s one of those things where, just keeping our options open for us, but he’s an exciting young arm. A lot of talent and a great kid.”

The Orioles lead the majors with 20 home runs since Aug. 9, putting them ahead of the Padres (19). They’ve homered in eight straight games 13 of 15 since Aug. 4.

Here are the pitching matchups for the Rays series at Camden Yards:

Friday: LHP Trevor Rogers vs. RHP Freddy Peralta
Saturday: RHP Brandon Young vs. LHP Shane McClanahan
Sunday: RHP Shane Baz vs. RHP Nick Martinez

For the Yankees
Trent Grisham CF
Ben Rice DH
Heliot Ramos LF
Luis García Jr. 1B
Jazz Chisholm Jr. 2B
George Lombard Jr. SS
Spencer Jones RF
Austin Wells C
José Caballero 3B

Gerrit Cole RHP