masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgHOUSTON – Needing an outfielder today to replace Dwight Smith Jr., the Orioles have recalled Anthony Santander from Triple-A Norfolk as they begin a three-game series against the Astros.
Smith has been placed on the seven-day concussion injured list after crashing into the left field fence last night at Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas. He didn’t fly with the team following a 4-3 loss to the Rangers.
The Orioles also had Smith undergo X-rays on his shoulder, but today’s transaction only…

HOUSTON – Needing an outfielder today to replace Dwight Smith Jr., the Orioles have recalled Anthony Santander from Triple-A Norfolk as they begin a three-game series against the Astros.

Smith has been placed on the seven-day concussion injured list after crashing into the left field fence last night at Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas. He didn’t fly with the team following a 4-3 loss to the Rangers.

The Orioles also had Smith undergo X-rays on his shoulder, but today’s transaction only mentions the concussion.

Major League Baseball allows teams to use a seven-day injured list with concussions rather than the standard 10 days.

Dwight-Smith-Homer-Swing-at-TEX-Gray-Sidebar.jpgSmith is batting .249/.296/.462 with 11 doubles, two triples, 11 home runs and 41 RBIs in 59 games. He returned to his position in left field last night after making the catch and running full-speed into the fence to close out the bottom of the fourth and bouncing into a double play in the top of the fifth, but he walked off the field with head athletic trainer Brian Ebel as David Hess warmed up.

Manager Brandon Hyde explained later that Smith began to feel lightheaded.

Smith joins outfielder DJ Stewart on the injured list. Stewart sprained his right ankle Wednesday night while trying to run down a fly ball in foul territory.

Catcher Pedro Severino already left the game after taking a foul ball off his mask, but he passed concussion tests and could return to the lineup tonight. Second baseman Jonathan Villar injured his right thumb after sliding into second base and he pinch-ran last night.

Chris Davis made his first start in right field last night since 2016 and overran a single that allowed the tiebreaking run to score.

Santander gives Hyde a natural outfielder as an option tonight. Stevie Wilkerson shifted from center field to left after Smith exited.

Trey Mancini served as the designated hitter while trying to ignore the soreness in his left foot, but said after the game that he’s able to play in the field.

The Orioles optioned Santander in spring training despite his .333/.389/.697 slash line with six doubles and two home runs in 18 games. He joined them as the 26th man in a May 1 doubleheader in Chicago and homered in Game 2 before returning to Norfolk.

Santander hit his fifth home run last night for the Tides and is batting .263/.316/.421 in 206 plate appearances.

Other options to replace Smith included outfielders Joey Rickard and Cedric Mullins. The Orioles chose the switch-hitting Santander.