Webb joins Orioles: Hicks ready for rehab assignment; Means begins rehab on Thursday

BALTIMORE—Pitcher Jordan Webb, who was claimed off waivers by the Orioles on Monday, joined the team on Wednesday. Webb was 1-1 with a save and a 3.98 earned-run average in 21 games with the Los Angeles Angels before he was waived. He walked 20 and struck out 34 in 31 2/3 innings.

From 2019-2021, the 29-year-old right-hander was 9-4 with three saves and a 2.47 ERA with Atlanta.

“I’m very happy. Going from a fourth-place team to a first-place team is obviously a pretty good scenario,” Webb said. “Just trying to come in here and do what I do and try to help the team as best as I can. The situation over there, I was the odd man out in that scenario. Coming here, it’s a nice little surprise and ready to get to work.”

Webb replaces Joey Krehbiel, who was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk after Tuesday night’s game. Krehbiel pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings in two games.

“I don’t know a ton about him,” manager Brandon Hyde said. “I got a couple of calls from Angels people that spoke extremely highly of him, so hopefully he can give us really good stuff out of our bullpen. I think the walks have been a little bit of the issue, but we’re hoping he shows command with us with a really good arm.”

Webb wasn’t dissatisfied with how he threw for the Angels.

“I would say I pitched pretty well,” he said. “Down the stretch, I kind of lost one of my pitches a little bit and I altered what I’ve been throwing, trying to get it back and trying to find something to work on every day.”

He’s hoping he gets a chance to pitch in October.

“It’s very exciting. Any time you get a chance to pitch in the postseason, it’s obviously what everyone in here is trying to accomplish,” Webb said. “It’s a great feeling. It’s going to be awesome.”

Webb got the opportunity to play with Shohei Ohtani on the Angels.

“He’s an unbelievable player,” Webb said. “I have nothing but good things to say about that entire organization there. There’s great people there. Being around him every day was very special to watch. It’s almost like he’s a robot, man. He’s different. He’s really good at everything. He makes it look so easy.”

Hicks going on rehab: Before the Orioles took batting practice, outfielder Aaron Hicks ran full speed from third base to home as part of his rehab from his strained left hamstring.

He’ll be leaving on Thursday for a two-game rehab assignment with Triple-A Norfolk in Jacksonville. Hicks will join the Orioles in San Diego on August 14^th.

“I’ve been feeling pretty good,” he said. “Running’s been going great, outfield’s been going good. I feel like I’m moving around pretty good.”

Hicks has been pleased with how the Orioles have been doing without him.

“They’ve been doing pretty well, scoring a lot of runs,” Hicks said. “This team is very talented, especially with all the young players and they’ve been coming up with big hits when we need them. They’ve been playing pretty well.”

Centerfielder Cedric Mullins is scheduled to play again for Double-A Bowie on Wednesday night and rejoin the Orioles for their game in Seattle on Friday.

Infielder Ramón Urías, who left Tuesday night’s game with a left heel discomfort, is out of the lineup for Wednesday night’s game against the Astros but could play.

“It feels good, a little sore today. I’ll be able to come off the bench,” Urías said.

Means to pitch in Bowie: Hyde is pleased that John Means, who last pitched in a game for the Orioles in April 2022, will pitch for Bowie on Thursday. He had Tommy John surgery in late April last year and could stay for his rehab assignment for up to 30 days.

“A lot of work’s been put in,” Hyde said. “I know he can’t wait to get started. I’m looking forwards to tracking him this next month. Build him up like he would be in spring training … You never know what it’s going to look like. We’re excited to see what John has to offer. Getting him going and pitching under the lights again, he’s earned it. He’s put so much great work in and we’re proud of him.”

Hyde hopes he can get a version of the pitcher who was excellent from 2019-2021.

“It would be massive, All-Star starter, threw a no-hitter. He threw great games for us on the mound,” Hyde said. “If we can get something close to that, it would be great.”