Wolfram recalled from Triple-A Norfolk, notes before tonight's game in Tampa
Colin Selby threw two scoreless relief innings last night in Tampa and he’s headed back to Triple-A Norfolk.
Another swap of arms has brought left-hander Grant Wolfram to the Orioles. They recalled Wolfram today and optioned Selby.
Wolfram has appeared in two games with the Orioles and allowed two runs and three hits in 1 1/3 innings. He pitched in back-to-back games in Detroit on April 26-27.
Wolfram has a 4.87 ERA and 1.426 WHIP in 18 appearances with Norfolk. His stay with the Orioles could be as brief as Selby’s, since they need a starter for Wednesday night.
Dean Kremer has allowed nine runs and 13 hits this month in 12 1/3 innings and he gets the ball tonight. He was used in bulk relief in his last outing, covering seven innings and allowing four runs in the fourth.
Kremer owns a 2.31 ERA in seven career starts against the Rays. Yandy Díaz is 1-for-16.
Gunnar Henderson is batting .385 with a .821 slugging percentage when ahead in the count and .195 with a .263 slugging when behind. He’s hitting .363 with a .550 slugging in even counts.
The Orioles were held to four hits last night, including Adley Rutschman’s eighth homer, in a 7-1 loss. Zach Eflin allowed seven runs and a career-high 12 hits in five innings. The Rays homered twice against him.
Today begins with the Orioles 6 ½ games out of the last Wild Card spot.
Tampa Bay is starting right-hander Zack Littell. He’s posted a 3.84 ERA and 1.108 WHIP in 14 games, and he’s walked only 11 batters in 86 2/3 innings. His 21 home runs lead the majors.
Littell went the distance against the Astros on May 31 in a 16-3 win. He’s allowed three runs or fewer in 11 starts.
The Orioles have faced Littell seven times in his career and he’s registered a 2.73 ERA in 29 2/3 innings. Henderson is 7-for-15 with a double and two home runs. Colton Cowser is 3-for-9 with a triple and homer.
The Rays’ 3.42 ERA ranks fifth in the majors, and their 1.17 WHIP is third. The bullpen’s 3.04 ERA is first in the American League and second in the majors.