MINNEAPOLIS - Zach Eflin threw a bullpen session today and is ready to be reinstated from the injured list.
Eflin is scheduled to start this weekend in Anaheim in his first appearance since April 7. He’s allowed six runs in 18 innings, giving the Orioles three quality starts.
Finally, the Orioles are taking from the IL instead of adding to it.
Eflin made one rehab start and tossed four scoreless innings at High-A Aberdeen. He’s recovered from a mild lat strain and can slip into come-to-rescue mode for a rotation that ranks last in the American League and 28th in the majors with a 5.75 ERA.
Charlie Morton is starting tonight after three relief appearances, and Dean Kremer gets the ball Thursday afternoon to finish the series. Cade Povich started last night.
Tomoyuki Sugano and Kyle Gibson give the Orioles five starters. Morton could head back to the bullpen when Eflin is reinstated.
The rotation can be adjusted with Monday’s off-day following the Angels' weekend series in Anaheim.
A corresponding move will be made to accommodate Eflin. Reliever Matt Bowman could be vulnerable after the Orioles outrighted him on Opening Day and selected his contract March 30 when Albert Suárez went on the injured list. His ERA has increased from 1.98 to 5.51 since April 27.
Morton is 0-6 with a 9.76 ERA and 2.205 WHIP in eight games. He left the rotation after allowing seven runs and seven hits with four walks in 2 1/3 innings on April 20 against the Reds.
“He’s excited to make this start tonight,” said manager Brandon Hyde. “It’s been a rough road up to this point. Let’s hope things turn around today.”
Kremer’s regular turn was tonight but he’s pushed back to Thursday. Hyde said Kremer’s leg is “feeling fine” after being hit by the 103.2 mph line drive.
Tyler O’Neill served as designated hitter last night in his first rehab game with Triple-A Norfolk, and he’s in right field tonight.
O’Neill went 1-for-3 with a walk last night and is getting his final at-bats. The Orioles have a 12:10 p.m. game Thursday local time and the plan calls for O’Neill to meet them in Anaheim.
“Definitely possible. Hoping for that,” Hyde said.
Chayce McDermott starts Friday for Norfolk and Trevor Rogers starts Saturday.
Catcher David Bañuelos returned to Norfolk from his rehab assignment with Aberdeen. Pitcher Kyle Brnovich was transferred from Norfolk to Aberdeen in a procedural move to create a roster spot.
For the Twins
Byron Buxton CF
Trevor Larnach RF
Ryan Jeffers C
Ty France 1B
Carlos Correa SS
Brooks Lee 3B
Royce Lewis DH
Willi Castro LF
Kody Clemens 2B
Simeon Woods Richardson RHP