Orioles pregame notes on Henderson, Urías brothers, Hicks and more

MILWAUKEE – Gunnar Henderson took batting practice this afternoon and fielded ground balls to test his lower back.

Henderson remains out of the lineup but said earlier that he should be in the lineup Wednesday night.

“It’s getting better,” said manager Brandon Hyde.

“We’re hoping he’s going to be back in there in the next day or two.”

Ramón Urías is starting at third base and batting seventh. Younger brother Luis is starting at second base for Milwaukee and also batting seventh.

They also share the same birthday, born three years apart on June 3.

This is the first time that the brothers have played against each other. Luis was injured last year when the Brewers came to Baltimore in April.

“How cool is that for their parents? Must be amazing to see two of your boys on a major league field, playing against each other,” Hyde said.

“I asked Ramón if he gave pitchers any tips on how to pitch to his brother already, and he said ‘no.’ But how cool is that? Brother across the field. That’s awesome.”

Aaron Hicks is in center field again tonight. He’s 5-for-11 with a triple and three walks with the Orioles.

Asked about Hicks’ at-bats, Hyde said, “Outstanding. Love it.”

“We’ve seen that in New York, too,” Hyde said. “Even though the numbers weren’t good, the ability to take a walk, the ability to lay off pitches outside the strike zone. He’s done that so far with us, as well as doing some damage on balls in the strike zone. He’s played a really nice center field, and a tough center field to play in San Francisco. A lot of elements in San Francisco with, one, how big center field is there, but two, wind, sun. Tough if you’re inexperienced to play that center field and he did a great job out there that series. He’s added a lot to our lineup since he’s been here.

“It seems like he’s enjoying being here, and I think he likes the vibe in our clubhouse and in our dugout. It’s a pretty positive group here and he’s fitting right in. And getting a few big hits like he’s gotten, that helps. Just want him to not try to do too much and enjoy his time.”

In a pregame roster move, the Orioles optioned Terrin Vavra to Triple-A Norfolk and reinstated left-hander Danny Coulombe from the bereavement list. Vavra, a Wisconsin native who missed out on his homecoming, was 12-for-49 (.245).

“Terrin did a nice job while he was here, kind of in the role that he was in,” Hyde said. “Getting back to 13 pitchers and happy to have Danny back. Missed him the last couple games in San Francisco.

“I think it’s important … Terrin’s a young player, get some more at-bats, get consistent playing time, move around the field a little bit defensively. Sure we’ll see him back up here sometime soon.”

The Orioles are starting Dean Kremer and Kyle Bradish in the last two games of the series. The Brewers are starting Corbin Burnes and Colin Rea.

Kyle Gibson has won each of his last three starts and has registered a 1.83 ERA over 19 2/3 innings. He had a 6.15 ERA over 22 innings in his previous four starts, losing the last three in that span.

Freddy Peralta has a 7.32 ERA in 19 2/3 innings over his last four starts, walking 11 and surrendering six home runs. He's allowed 10 home runs in 60 1/3 innings this season after surrendering six in 78 innings last season.

Heston Kjerstad was starting in left field tonight in his Norfolk debut in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, but the game has been postponed due to the poor air quality.

The Orioles are hosting an auction to benefit former pitcher David Hess, who is battling cancer. The auction began last night and runs until Sunday at 10 p.m., and it includes game-used and autographed memorabilia, player meet and greets and on-field experiences chosen and donated by current Orioles players and coaches.

Fans can bid by visiting Orioles.com/Auction.

For the Brewers
Christian Yelich LF
Jon Singleton 1B
William Contreras C
Rowdy Tellez DH
Brian Anderson RF
Abraham Toro 3B
Luis Urías 2B
Brice Turang SS
Joey Wiemer CF

Freddy Peralta RHP