Orioles recall Watkins and Araúz

CHICAGO – Spenser Watkins is back in the rotation and reliever Marcos Diplán is optioned without pitching yesterday.

The Orioles also recalled infielder Jonathan Araúz from Triple-A Norfolk and optioned infielder Rylan Bannon, who didn’t appear in a game in his second stint with the team.

Watkins has been recalled as Kyle Bradish’s replacement. Bradish went on the 15-day injured list yesterday with right shoulder inflammation.

The Orioles simply had to activate Watkins from the taxi squad.

Watkins hasn’t started for the Orioles since failing to retire any of three Tampa Bay batters on May 22 and leaving with a bruised right elbow – the product of a line drive from Ji-Man Choi.

The White Sox saw Watkins on July 11, 2021 in Baltimore and managed only one run in 4 1/3 innings. Andrew Vaughn homered.

Araúz was claimed off waivers from the Red Sox while the Orioles were in Toronto. He’s more versatile with his ability to play shortstop.

Araúz is wearing No. 76.

Joey Krehbiel’s three strikeouts last night were a career high.

Bryan Baker hasn’t allowed a home run in his last 21 appearances.

The Orioles are trying to get within five games of .500 for the first time since May 13. They haven’t won four in a row since Sept. 4-8, 2020.

Right-hander Lance Lynn is making his third start after undergoing surgery to repair a torn tendon in his knee. He’s allowed six earned runs (eight total) and 14 hits in 9 1/3 innings.

Lynn is 3-1 with a 3.31 ERA and 1.439 WHIP in seven career games (five starts) against the Orioles.

Robinson Chirinos is 4-for-14 with a triple and home run against Lynn. Trey Mancini is 3-for-9 with a triple and home run.

The White Sox were held to one hit or fewer at home for the first time since 2011.

Luis Robert’s hitting streak ended at 13 games.

The tarp is on the field, it’s raining and showers are supposed continue for much of the day and night. The current window is from 4-6 p.m.