Brandon Hyde said the Orioles are moving Charlie Morton to the bullpen but “haven’t closed the door” on him returning to the rotation.

That same bullpen was given a reprieve on Tuesday night. In the middle of being blown out by the New York Yankees, the Orioles needed innings. For the second time this season, and only the third time in his career, veteran starting pitcher Charlie Morton was called on to aid in that effort.

The Baltimore Orioles came under scrutiny for how they handled business with their starting rotation during the winter. Their ace in 2024, Corbin Burnes, hit free agency and the team wasn’t able to retain him.

Benches and bullpens cleared in Baltimore in the fourth inning after Heston Kjerstad of the Orioles stole second base and New York Yankees second baseman Pablo Reyes had to leap over him to catch the throw.

Tensions always run high when the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles get together; that's just how things work in the AL East. But temperatures were likely even hotter entering Wednesday night, considering just how frustrating this season has been for the O's so far — and the 15-3 smackdown New York put on them in the series opener on Tuesday.

Benches cleared in the fourth inning Wednesday night when the Baltimore Orioles took exception to a collision at second base between New York Yankees second baseman Pablo Reyes and outfielder Heston Kjerstad.