BALTIMORE—The Orioles continue to adjust their bullpen. On Saturday they recalled right-handed pitcher Isaac Mattson from Triple-A Norfolk while designating right-hander Conner Greene for assignment.
They also addressed the concussion symptoms for first baseman Ryan Mountcastle, who was removed from Friday night’s game and placed in concussion protocol. Mountcastle could be placed on the seven-day concussion injured list.
“Still has some concussion symptoms,” manager Brandon Hyde said. “Still in the protocol. Still trending toward a potential IL, unfortunately. We’re going to proceed with caution with it and he’s still getting checked out today, but probably heading that way.”
Mattson was acquired from the Los Angeles Angels in December 2019 with three other right-handers in the trade that sent Dylan Bundy out west. In two games, he has allowed a run on two hits. He struck out one and walked one and was returned to Triple-A Norfolk after the game.
At Norfolk, Mattson is 0-2 with a 9.53 ERA with a save in 14 games. Greene had a 14.73 ERA in three games.
“You’re going to have guys pitch in spots that are going to be challenging at times,” Hyde said. “And maybe they’re not ready for, and maybe they are just because we don’t have a typical veteran bullpen group, so guys are going to get opportunities here, and hopefully they pitch well and stick.”
Marcos Diplán made his major league debut and retired all five batters he faced on Friday night.
“It was nice to see Diplán get an opportunity last night,” Hyde said. “He did a nice job and had a strong ninth inning. Hopefully, we can get more guys like that to be able to get some outs for us.”
Hyde said Diplán could get a chance in a higher-leverage spot.
“We don’t have a ton of options so he probably is going to be [an option] at some point just like Greene was last night when I wanted to try to fill four innings,” Hyde said.
“You can’t pitch the same guys every single night. A few of the guys that I have have struggled as of late, so you try to give other guys opportunities, and you hope that they take it and run with it.”
Hyde likes to have pitchers make their first appearance in a game that isn’t close. The Orioles trailed 10-5 when Diplán entered.
“The game is way different when you’re down four or up four, entirely different,” Hyde said. “The game is different in the ninth inning than it is in the eighth inning. We’re trying guys out to see what they can do.”
Diplán said his major league debut was special.
“One of the best moments of my life,” Diplán said through a translator. “It’s been my dream ever since I started playing. I’m so excited and happy that that came to reality and I felt very proud.”
He said he wasn’t nervous.
“Back home in the Dominican Republic, the fans go crazy,” Diplán said. “They yell so much stuff at you.”
Diplán hopes to get some save chances.
“I would definitely like the opportunity to be in close games,” he said. “I believe you still have to earn those spots. Little by little with more time and opportunities, if I do my job well, I think they might consider me for such opportunities.”
Within the next two weeks, Hyde hopes to get right-handers Hunter Harvey (right lat strain), Tyler Wells (right wrist tendinitis) and left-hander Tanner Scott (left knee sprain) back from the 10-day injured list.
“That would be huge,” Hyde said. “We’ve been struggling in the bullpen, no doubt about it. Tyler was the one I relied on the most to throw strikes. Before he was hurt, he was pitching toward the end of the game, so it would be nice to get him back.
“Tanner’s had some big moments this year where he’s punched out guys in big spots. He has an electric arm. I’d like to see Hunter Harvey get healthy and finish the season strong and see what we have there.”
Left-hander Ryan Hartman, who was on the injured list as part of Covid intake, was removed from the injured list and has returned to the Triple-A Norfolk roster. Hartman was acquired from Houston on waivers on July 30th.
Right-hander Shaun Anderson, who was designated for assignment on Wednesday, was claimed on outright waivers by the San Diego Padres.
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The addition of Mr.Mattson to our pitching staff has restored my confidence in management's commitment to consistency. An 0-2 record and a 9.53 ERA at Norfolk suggest the arrival of yet another sub-par, not yet ready pitcher whose credentials for succeeding in the Bigs are slim. What are the odds he too will be hammered and quickly tossed onto the growing pile of overnight discards? Before someone says it, I know, let's give him a chance before writing him off.
In an earlier post, you asked about players who are designated for assignment, Steve.
So far, the Orioles have designated 14 players for assignment, and the Mets have DFA’d 19.
Because of the number of injuries, teams are using more players than usual.
Just from a glance, I see the Mets, Yankees and Mariners have all used more players than the Orioles, didn’t have time to check other teams, but the more players used, the more DFA’s because there’s just not enough room on the 40-man roster.
Rich, Thanks for the info. I think I speak for many in saluting the breadth and depth of your baseball expertise, and also in expressing appreciation for your responsiveness to your readers.
Not only that, but has Spenser been solved?
I dunno ... he's not looking too bad tonite.
Okay, so looks like we will see if the Os 5-15 record when Wynns plays is a solid, believable stat with Severino going down with a knee injury. Thinking Cumberland replaces Severino but am looking forward to the howling comments for Adley Rutschman to be called up...BRR you go first okay?
OhMy!, if BRR hasn’t responded to this before I post it allow me to go first. I’m so sick and tired of hearing O’s fans say “why bring him up when they’re (fill in the W/L record) or why start his clock early?” If you’re waiting for them to be competitive, did it ever occur to any of you that THAT is but one reason they’re NOT competitive. I’m not expecting Johnny Bench but he’s wasting his time in minors. As far as starting his clock, if that’s truly a concern then O’s fans should just throw in the towel now. A rebuild is supposed to progress, not regress, which is what this season looks like. Tampa called up Franco, he’s struggling but they’re sticking with him in the heat of a pennant race. I think Adley can handle Baltimore now. What the O’s are putting on the field now is almost embarrassing.
Dave, as I've written before. Because of health and safety protocols this year, players can't be called up directly from Double-A. Even if they wanted to, they'd have to send Rutschman to the Norfolk roster--not playing him--for five days before he's called up.
I know that Rich, I’m just saying he’s as ready as he needs to be so that’s EXACTLY what they should do. It’s the least they should do for O’s fans this season. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t even think he’ll break camp with the big club next spring, my point was I’m really, really tired of hearing fans say they shouldn’t bring him up when they’re so bad and why start his clock now? In my opinion, they should bring him up simply because he’s better RIGHT NOW than anyone they have.
You're absolutely right DLG. I didn't see this post until just now. Thanks for saving me all the typing! Hah!
As far as Joey aka OhMy....why are you ducking my pitcher list? You were the one that challenged me. Nothing smart to say about that today?
Totally right DL...:)...go Rutschman & go O’s...
Gotta love Cumberland's .383 OBP!!!
Valdez is DFA of the day tomorrow!
why is Valdez still on the Oriole roster.I'm sorry but his performance lately begs the question , Why would anyone in their right mind put him in any major League game!
It's possible that senior Oriole leadership is no longer in their right mind. More likely, Valdez pitches 'cause there ain't nobody better available.
I wonder if there are stats for number of DFA's by a team in a season. O's would be very near the top! Sad.
Hey, leading in some category;)....go O’s...
Valdez is on the team for the same reason Mattson and his 9.53 ERA was called up and it goes on and on. Listening to the Tampa Bay announcers who repeatedly say we have the worst bullpen in the majors and our starters are not far behind. This rebuild is beautiful Elias. Poor Hyde I would want to be in his shoes
Elias and Hyde need to be shown the door. Hyde said he's never seen a backflip? Ozzie Smith says "hold my beer!"
Stupid image of the day. Top of the 9th, Mattson has just walked in a run with the bases loaded to make the score Ray 12, O's 3. Holt decides to pay a visit to the mound to impart some wisdom I guess.
Both Holt & Mattson PROCEED TO COVER THEIR MOUTHS as they speak ... presumably to prevent the Rays from stealing any of the verbal gems they're exchanging. Just what can Holt be telling the boy that is so secret at this point? Jesus ... today's game of baseball is just soooooo full of itself to the point of being plain old stupid sometimes. And the Orioles seem to be leading the league in that department.
They didn’t want to let the Rays know where they’re going to eat (and probably drink) after the game.
Or maybe Holt was discreetly telling Mattson when the next bus was leaving for Norfolk.
Do you think Mattson bothered to bring a change of clothes and toothbrush to Bal'more?
Or to prevent TV from lip reading F-bombs!
That is some funny stuff boys. Speaking of Holt. Has he gone from the most promising young pitching coach at one point to one of the worst we've had at this point?