BALTIMORE-The Orioles are employing the opener strategy for the third time this season on Thursday night. Dillon Tate was announced as the starter instead of Keegan Akin around midday Thursday.
Hyde said the move was made because the right-handed Tate was a better match for the heavily right-handed Toronto Blue Jays than the left-handed Akin. He also said that the possibility of rain did not factor into the Orioles’ decision.
Tate will open the game, pitch an inning or two and yield to Akin.
“Then probably bring Keegan in after,” manager Brandon Hyde said. “It’s to try to maybe shorten the game for Keegan. We’re having a tough time with our starters going deep in the game. We’re just trying this out.”
On May 16, Adam Plutko was the opener against the New York Yankees, threw one inning, allowing four runs, and was followed by Bruce Zimmermann, who allowed one run on two hits in 5 2/3 innings.
Tate will be the 13th pitcher to start a game this season. Travis Lakins started on June 29 at Houston but had to leave with an elbow injury after 1 2/3 innings. Lakins underwent surgery for a stress fracture in his right elbow on Tuesday in Los Angeles.
Hyde said that since Tate didn’t pitch in Wednesday night’s game, the Orioles wanted to try out the strategy against Toronto.
“This team is so right-handed, and they’re so good right-handed,” Hyde said. “It was something that we’ve played with here and there.
“It was a good option. It allows Keegan possibly not to face their middle of the order three times. We’re giving it a try.”
Lowther optioned to Norfolk, Anderson arrives: The Orioles optioned left-hander Zac Lowther to Triple-A Norfolk and recalled right-hander Shaun Anderson from Norfolk.
Lowther is 0-1 with a 10.80 ERA in five games. He allowed a run on two hits in two innings in Wednesday night’s game.
Anderson, who was claimed on waivers from the Texas Rangers on Saturday, is on hand for short relief, according to Hyde.
“He hasn’t pitched in a while,” Hyde said. “He’ll be in the bullpen, try and get him some appearances because he hasn’t been on the mound for a while.”
Anderson had a 9.35 ERA in four early-season appearances with Minnesota. He was claimed by Texas on June 18. Anderson last pitched in a game on June 24 with Triple-A Round Rock.
When he pitches in a game, he’ll become the 47th player used this season by the Orioles.
Means going to Bowie: John Means, who’s on the 10-day injured list with a left shoulder strain, gets his second rehab start on Friday night in Bowie. Means allowed a run in two innings on Sunday at Aberdeen.
“He’s going to go tomorrow probably, three to four innings, depending how he feels, how long the innings are,” Hyde said.
Means is scheduled to make a start next week for Triple-A Norfolk while the Orioles are on the All-Star break. They’ll resume play on July 16 in Kansas City.
“Then he’s going to join us in Kansas City,” Hyde said. “I’m projecting that his next start with us will probably be early on with the Rays series, probably the fourth or fifth game after the break.”
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