Hours before Tuesday’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Orioles manager Brandon Hyde announced Keegan Akin as his starter for Wednesday’s series finale. Hours after, he learned he would be turning to another rookie left-hander.
Because Akin and outfielder Anthony Santander were placed on the COVID-19 injured list Wednesday, Alexander Wells drew his first major league start. Baltimore’s No. 20 prospect according to Baseball America, Wells pitched effectively into the sixth inning, leaving with the lead before the Rays rallied to walk off in the ninth.
Through 95 games, a rookie has started for the Orioles 36 times; only five teams have used a rookie starting pitcher more this season, according to FanGraphs.