Orioles ask Charlie Morton to save bullpen in start against Reds

Charlie Morton’s first season with the Baltimore Orioles hasn’t gone all that well for the veteran right-hander.

The Orioles sure would like that to change on Sunday afternoon.

It’s Morton’s turn again in the rotation when Baltimore completes a three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds.

The series is tied at one game apiece after Baltimore’s 9-5 victory Saturday. The Orioles slugged five home runs, including two by Ramon Laureano.

Yet the Orioles used eight pitchers in that game.

“Our bullpen has had pretty heavy loads so far,” manager Brandon Hyde said. “It’s going to take its toll. Come on, Charlie Morton, need you. Because we need to give some of these guys a break.”

The 41-year-old Morton (0-4, 8.84 ERA) has lasted five innings in each of his last three starts. During those 15 innings, the right-hander has surrendered 14 runs, including four homers.

Cincinnati’s pitching situation might be of bigger curiosity after ace Hunter Greene was tagged for five runs in three innings on Saturday.

The Reds placed left-hander Nick Lodolo on the paternity list, so they were intending to call on right-hander Carson Spiers for a spot start as he had been recalled from Triple-A Louisville. Instead, he worked in relief on Saturday for his first outing with the Reds since April 6.

So that means Graham Ashcraft (0-1, 0.00 ERA) or Brent Suter (0-0, 2.70) could be first on the mound for the Reds, though neither would be expected to log more than a couple of innings.

Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz has a four-game hitting streak, but just one extra-base hit in the last six games. Manager Terry Francona said it’s not appropriate to scrutinize his production on a game-by-game basis so early in the season.

“Elly is going to get 700 plate appearances this year,” Francona said. “Some nights you don’t hit; it’s just the way the game goes.”

The Orioles could use more of the type of offensive production they received Saturday. Laureano was in the game because outfielder Heston Kjerstad exited early after he was hit on the elbow by a pitch from Reds starter Greene.

“Got to be ready whenever they call my name,” Laureano said.

Laureano’s role has been limited, and that’s something that Hyde has acknowledged. With so few opportunities, the outfielder’s potential impact is evolving in his first season with the Orioles.

“For him to do what he did (Saturday), pretty impressive,” Hyde said.

Kjerstad might avoid a spot on the injured list, though don’t expect to see him in Sunday’s starting lineup.

“It’s just sore right now,” Hyde said. “It’s a 100 (mph pitch) off the elbow.”

The Orioles hope that infielder Jordan Westburg can relax after snapping an 0-for-30 skid with a home run.

“My swing feels a little bit better,” he said. “I’ve been grinding away at the cage trying to get this figured out, so it’s going to be a good stepping stone for these next couple of games and next couple days, just to build on.”

Sunday marks the last game in Baltimore’s seven-game homestand. The Orioles are 4-3.

–Field Level Media