BALTIMORE—In Jordan Westburg’s first two major league games, he played second base. In his third, he’ll be playing third base against the Cincinnati Reds.
Manager Brandon Hyde has to fit in not only Westburg but Gunnar Henderson, who’s starting at shortstop, Adam Frazier, starting at second on Wednesday night, Jorge Mateo and Ramón Urías. Mateo, who has been the regular shortstop, and Urías, who can play all four infield positions, aren’t starting Wednesday but Hyde regularly uses players off the bench.
“They’re all going to play,” Hyde said. “I think it’s not a terrible thing right now, especially in the middle of the summer, to have a lot of depth and to be able to give guys nights off once in a while. It’s a good problem to have when you have a lot of good players. That’s what good teams have.”
Hyde said the lineups will be determined on a game-by-game basis. “It will be pretty much matchup-based but also give guys a breather when I feel they need it, but they’ll all play,” he said.
As for Westburg, Hyde has noticed a difference since he first saw him after he was drafted 30th overall in 2020.
“He’s a little bit bigger, a little bit stronger, a little bit better defender,” Hyde said.
Hyde’s first look at Westburg came at a minicamp before the 2021 season in Sarasota.
“It was apparent that this guy [was] pretty advanced already,” Hyde said. “He stayed on the baseball, hit line drives all over the place and I’ve seen him get better as a defender. I know he played in the middle, mostly at shortstop in college, but to be able to move over to second, play third base also. He’s made big strides there.”
The right-handed hitting Westburg hit better in the minor leagues against right-handers than left-handers.
“You don’t see many left-handers in thew minor leagues. We’ll see how that plays out up here,” Hyde said.
Pride Night: The Orioles are celebrating Pride Night on Wednesday and have decorated Camden Yards for the occasion.
Hyde read a statement, which preceded his news conference:
“As you may have seen if you’ve been out in the ballpark, tonight is Pride Night at the ballpark, and we’re happy to promote equality and inclusivity for all fans.”
Notes: Hyde said that he didn’t have updates on first baseman Ryan Mountcastle, on the 10-day injured list with vertigo and currently at Triple-A Norfolk on a rehab assignment, and relievers Mychal Givens, who’s on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation and Dillon Tate, who’s on the 60-day IL with an elbow injury. … Longtime team orthopedist Dr. Charles Silberstein died on Sunday at 90. … The Orioles have a day off on Thursday, their final offday before the All-Star break, and play a three-game series against the Minnesota Twins beginning Friday night. Dean Kremer (8-3, 4.50) and Pablo López (3-5, 4.41) will pitch Friday. Kyle Bradish (4-3, 3.75) and Bailey Ober (4-4, 2.97) are scheduled to start Saturday That game will begin at 4:05 p.m. On Sunday at 12:05 p.m., it will be Cole Irvin (1-3, 7.18) against Sonny Gray (4-2, 2.67). Sunday’s game will be shown exclusively on Peacock. Friday night is Floppy Hat Night and Saturday is Hawaiian Shirt Day.