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The Orioles optioned left-hander Nick Vespi to Triple-A Norfolk this morning as the corresponding move to Cole Irvin’s return.

Vespi lasted one day in his second stint. He hasn’t pitched for the Orioles this season.

Irvin was recalled to make his fourth start with the Orioles, and his first since April 13. He owns a 2.19 ERA in four career starts against the Royals.

Ryan Mountcastle is out of the lineup again today due to an illness that forced him to the bench last night.

Gunnar Henderson has moved up to the leadoff spot after his career-high three hits last night. Ryan O’Hearn is the first baseman, Adam Frazier is at second base, and Josh Lester is the designated hitter.

A win today would allow the Orioles to claim another series.

The Orioles have stolen five bases in four different games this season, tied for the most before the All-Star break in the wild card era, per STATS.

The total already is the most for the Orioles over an entire season in club history.

Closer Félix Bautista’s strikeout rate of 18.58 per nine innings is on pace to be the highest in major league history with a minimum of 30 innings, also per STATS.

The Royals have lost seven of their last eight games.

Right-hander Brady Singer has registered a 6.45 ERA and 1.550 WHIP in 12 starts. He tossed 5 2/3 scoreless innings Sunday against the Rockies.

Singer allowed seven runs and eight hits in two innings in his only career start against the Orioles in 2021 in Kansas City.

For the Orioles
Gunnar Henderson 3B
Adley Rutschman C
Anthony Santander RF
Austin Hays LF
Aaron Hicks CF
Ryan O’Hearn 1B
Adam Frazier 2B
Josh Lester DH
Jorge Mateo SS

Cole Irvin LHP

High-A Aberdeen’s Jackson Holliday is the organization’s Minor League Player of the Month for May, and IronBirds right-hander Jake Lyons is Pitcher of the Month.

This is my last post for the day. I’ll return on Sunday.