Wednesday night Orioles game thread: at Astros, 8:10

The Orioles selected Spenser Watkins’ contract and recalled Isaac Mattson prior to tonight’s game. The club placed Travis Lakins on the injured list with right elbow pain, and designated Stevie Wilkerson for assignment.

Of those players, Wilkerson has made the longest impact for the Orioles. Unfortunately for Stevie, a .419 OPS just won’t cut it. No, not even for this team. Baltimore had already optioned Wilkerson prior to recalling Ramón Urías and Domingo Leyba, but the club needed his spot on the 40-man to promote Watkins.

Watkins spent eight years in the minors prior to getting this call. He had been on Baltimore’s taxi squad, and the 28-year-old pitched to a 3.58 ERA at Norfolk this season.

Mattson is considered more of a prospect than Watkins. The Orioles acquired Mattson in a deal that sent Dylan Bundy to the Angels. He made one appearance earlier in the season for Baltimore but has struggled for most of the year at Triple-A.

Wilkerson and the Orioles will now wait and see if any team claims the utility man. If not, he will likely stay with the Tides this season.

Matt Harvey will start tonight as the Orioles strive for a sweep against the first place Astros. All-Star hopeful Cedric Mullins will lead off and play center. Anthony Santander and DJ Stewart will join him in the outfield.

Trey Mancini will bat second and play first base. Ryan Mountcastle gets the start at DH, while Maikel Franco takes third. Urías and Leyba will make up the double play combination. Pedro Severino will catch Harvey.

Orioles lineup:

1. Cedric Mullins (L) CF

2. Trey Mancini (R) 1B

3. Anthony Santander (S) RF

4. Ryan Mountcastle (R) DH

5. DJ Stewart (L) LF

6. Maikel Franco (R) 3B

7. Pedro Severino (R) C

8. Domingo Leyba (S) 2B

9. Ramon Urias (R) SS