Orioles Add Espada as 27th Man for Doubleheader; Rogers Lands on IL with Flu

Key facts

• Reliever Jose Espada joins Orioles as 27th man for doubleheader; he has not pitched for the team this season.
• Trevor Rogers placed on 15-day injured list with flu; he was scheduled to start tomorrow.
• as taxi squad catcher.
• Chris Bassitt starts Game 1; he has a 6.75 ERA and 2.063 WHIP in five starts this season.
• Gunnar Henderson is designated hitter; Blaze Alexander starts at shortstop.
• Yordan Álvarez is 9-for-22 (.409) with five home runs and 11 RBIs against Bassitt.
• Peter Lambert starts for Houston in Game 1; he has never faced the Orioles.

Flu Outbreak Forces Roster Shuffle

The Orioles have summoned reliever Jose Espada as the 27th man for today's doubleheader against the Houston Astros at Camden Yards, a move necessitated by a flu outbreak that has swept through the clubhouse. Espada, who has not appeared in a game for Baltimore this season, was recalled on April 22 and optioned two days later. as the taxi squad catcher. Manager Craig Albernaz confirmed that left-hander Trevor Rogers was placed on the 15-day injured list yesterday with the flu, a decision that disrupted the team's pitching plans. “It’s hitting him pretty hard,” Albernaz said. “I’ll say it’s kind of going through our clubhouse. Weston Wilson had it a couple days ago. We kept him home. So same thing with Rog. We kept Rog home for two days.” Rogers had been scheduled to start tomorrow, but the illness left him unable to perform. “Obviously, he wanted to, but sometimes you have to be the adult in the room and kind of look out for the player,” Albernaz added. “It would be no benefit for Rog to try to push through it because he doesn’t have the strength back yet and throwing up, all that good stuff. So we want to make sure that he gets rehydrated, gets his strength back. And whenever the stint is over, he’ll be ready to go.”

Rotation Uncertainty Ahead of Yankees Series

The Orioles have not yet set their rotation for the upcoming four-game series against the Yankees in the Bronx, a situation complicated by Rogers' illness. “We’re still working through it with Rog,” Albernaz said. The team will rely on its depth as it navigates both the doubleheader and the series ahead. Chris Bassitt will start the opener of the twin bill. Bassitt has struggled this season, posting a 6.75 ERA and 2.063 WHIP in five starts. He followed five scoreless innings in Cleveland by allowing five runs in 5 1/3 innings in Kansas City. In 16 career appearances against the Astros, Bassitt has a 4.32 ERA over 89 2/3 innings.

Lineup Adjustments and Key Matchups

Gunnar Henderson will serve as the designated hitter, with Blaze Alexander at shortstop. Colton Cowser is in center field, and Dylan Beavers is in right. The Orioles face a formidable Astros lineup, led by Yordan Álvarez, who is 9-for-22 (.409) with a double, five home runs, and 11 RBIs against Bassitt. Isaac Paredes, however, is just 2-for-17 with a double against the right-hander. Houston will counter with right-hander Peter Lambert in Game 1. Lambert has never faced the Orioles, adding an element of unfamiliarity for Baltimore's hitters. The Astros, known for their potent offense, will look to exploit Bassitt's recent inconsistency.

Impact on the Orioles' Postseason Push

Every game in this doubleheader carries weight for the Orioles as they chase a playoff berth. The flu outbreak has tested the team's depth, forcing them to rely on call-ups like Espada and Handley. Albernaz's cautious handling of Rogers underscores the importance of player health over short-term gains. The Orioles' ability to manage the pitching staff through this illness and the demanding schedule will be critical. With the Yankees series looming, the team must quickly stabilize its rotation and lineup to remain competitive in the tight AL East race.

Astros' Familiarity with Bassitt May Pose Problems

Bassitt's history against the Astros offers both hope and concern. While his overall 4.32 ERA in 89 2/3 innings is respectable, Álvarez's dominance in the matchup is a significant threat. The Orioles will need Bassitt to limit damage and keep the game within reach, especially given the bullpen's workload in a doubleheader. Lambert's lack of experience against Baltimore could work in the Orioles' favor, but the right-hander will be eager to make a strong impression. The first game sets the tone for the day, and both teams will be looking to gain an early advantage.

Next Steps: Recovery and Rotation Decisions

The Orioles will monitor Rogers' recovery closely, hoping he can return after the minimum 15 days. In the meantime, the team must decide who will start in his place for the Yankees series. Options include moving a reliever into the rotation or recalling another pitcher from the minors. Albernaz's comments suggest the club is taking a long-term view, prioritizing Rogers' health over immediate results. The flu's spread through the clubhouse adds an unpredictable element, but the Orioles are confident in their depth. The doubleheader against the Astros will test that depth immediately.

The bottom line

• Jose Espada joins as 27th man; Trevor Rogers on IL with flu, missing his scheduled start.
• Flu has affected multiple players, including Weston Wilson and Rogers, forcing roster changes.
• Chris Bassitt starts Game 1 with a 6.75 ERA; Yordan Álvarez has five homers off him.
• Rotation for Yankees series remains undecided due to Rogers' illness.
• Peter Lambert starts for Astros, never faced Orioles.
• Orioles prioritize player health over short-term pitching needs.