TORONTO—Manager Brandon Hyde has established rules for his use of closer Félix Bautista, who missed all of 2024 after having Tommy John surgery in October 2023. Hyde won’t use Bautista in consecutive games or for more than one inning in the first half of the season.
Hyde didn’t use Bautista in Thursday’s 12-2 opening-game victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. He knows if he uses the closer in a lopsided game, he won’t have him the next day in a possible save situation.
“When I get him up, I’d love to be able to get him in the game,” Hyde said. “A lot of times, closer-wise or high-leverage guys, that’s not the case. I had [Gregory] Soto up and went to somebody else when the inning was over because the lead extended …I ’m just trying to handle Félix as well as I possibly can.”
Bautista was last in a game last Sunday against Atlanta in North Port, Florida.
“That’s the plan we discussed, to find a way to have me stay ready and stay healthy throughout the entire season,” Bautista said through a team translator. “Have that continue going through the playoffs, hopefully.
“I’m available for whenever they need me. I think, ultimately, at that point, it’s the manager’s decision for whenever he chooses. I do know, I think what’s been discussed is that they would prefer having me pitch in those closer games, games that might be more important, closer games. Then again, if I go through a stretch of games when I haven’t pitched, then I might be used in the one of the games like yesterday.”
Rodriguez to ramp up activity
Starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez threw before Friday night’s game against Toronto. On Sunday, Hyde said he’ll step up activity. Rodriguez is on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation.
Hyde calls it his “first mini-side, a really, really light side. The side progression starts on Sunday.”
Note: Jorge Mateo is batting ninth and playing shortstop, his first time in the Orioles’ starting lineup since he injured his left elbow on July 23rd, 2024.
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