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  • Orioles call up reliever Heasley from minors
    Orioles recalled reliever Jonathan Heasley from Triple-A Norfolk.

    Advice: With John Means landing on the 15-day IL, the Orioles are calling up Heasley to add depth to their bullpen. The 27-year-old has thrown 4 1/3 innings with the Orioles this year and has an unsightly 12.46 ERA; however, he’s been much more effective in Triple-A with a 0.45 ERA and 0.70 WHIP in 20 innings, striking out 18 and walking just four. With Cole Irvin likely to take Means’ place in the rotation, Heasley could give the Orioles length out of the bullpen. Rotoworld Today, 9:25 am
     
  • John Means placed on IL with forearm strain
    Orioles placed John Means (forearm strain) on the 15-day IL.

    Advice: It’s a sad turn of events for the 31-year-old who seems to be working his way back from arm injuries continuously. He made just four starts this season and left his last one with elbow discomfort. The Orioles have not yet announced the extent of the injury but given that Means has only thrown a combined 31 2/3 innings since 2021, it may be time to make other plans for fantasy leagues. Cole Irvin should move back into the rotation and Jonathan Heasley was called up in a corresponding move. Rotoworld Today, 9:22 am
     
  • Nick Lodolo “aiming to return on Monday”
    According to The Enquirer’s Charlie Goldsmith, Nick Lodolo (groin) will throw a bullpen on Saturday and is “aiming to return on Monday.”

    Advice: Lodolo threw a bullpen on Wednesday and felt good, so the bullpen on Saturday could be the final step to getting him back on the mound in an MLB game. That will mean his stay on the IL was the minimum amount of time, so the Reds feel that a rehab start is unnecessary. Rotoworld Today, 9:17 am
     
  • Joins big-league bullpen
    The Orioles recalled Heasley from Triple-A Norfolk on Thursday, Dan Connolly of The Athletic reports.

    Advice: Heasley has been torched for seven runs (six earned) over 4.1 innings during his time with the Orioles this season. He's been much better at Norfolk, though, yielding just one run with an 18:4 K:BB in 20 frames. The right-hander should operate in middle relief. Rotowire.com Today, 9:16 am
     
  • Heads to IL with strained forearm
    The Orioles placed Means on the 15-day injured list Thursday with a left forearm strain, Dan Connolly of The Athletic reports.

    Advice: It's the same injury that forced Means to the IL prior to Opening Day. The left-hander experienced a flareup of the forearm issue during his latest start Wednesday in St. Louis. He'll be eligible to return from the IL in early June, but it's possible he'll need more time than the minimum 15 days given that it's a recurring injury. Cole Irvin is the likeliest candidate to slide into Means' spot in Baltimore's rotation. Rotowire.com Today, 9:14 am
     
  • Still on track for Monday return
    Lodolo (groin) threw a successful extended bullpen session Wednesday and is set to throw off the mound again Saturday, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

    Advice: Assuming he comes out of Saturday's session without any hiccups, Lodolo will be set to return from the 15-day injured list to start against the Cardinals on Monday, the first day he'll be eligible for activation. The left-hander is working his way back from a left groin strain. Rotowire.com Today, 7:38 am
     
  • Completes four innings
    Baz (elbow) allowed one earned run on three hits and three walks while striking out four across four innings during a rehab start with Triple-A Durham on Wednesday.

    Advice: This was Baz's best rehab appearance since starting the assignment May 4. He's still fighting his control, as he has walked 11 batters across 12 innings, though that shouldn't come as a significant surprise given his lengthy layoff since last pitching in a meaningful game. The Rays will likely want him to make at least one more start in the minors, but he could rejoin the big-league rotation in early June. Rotowire.com Today, 7:10 am
     
  • Stuck with loss Wednesday
    Irvin (4-2) allowed five runs (three earned) on six hits and struck out two without walking a batter over 3.1 innings to take the loss Wednesday versus the Cardinals.

    Advice: Irvin was called upon for a long-relief outing after John Means (elbow) exited following a rain delay. The severity of Means' injury is unknown at this time, but if it requires a stint on the injured list, Irvin has a clear path back to the rotation after making his last two appearances out of the bullpen. Irvin has pitched well this season with a 3.15 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 30:8 K:B over 45.2 innings through nine appearances (seven starts). Means' spot in the rotation is slated for a home start versus the Red Sox next week, and Irvin's appearance Wednesday would put him on schedule to step into that spot if necessary. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 8:52 pm
     
  • Dealing with elbow discomfort
    Means was removed from Wednesday's start against the Cardinals due to left elbow discomfort and will undergo medical testing, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

    Advice: The injury wasn't immediately reported as the left-hander's departure after three innings coincided with a rain delay. Means entered the contest with an average fastball velocity of 90.9 mph this season, but he sat two ticks below that Wednesday. The 31-year-old missed most of last season while rehabbing from Tommy John surgery and a back injury, so another elbow issue could be a significant concern. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 3:19 pm