New O's pitcher Brooks to start Saturday

BALTIMORE -- Aaron Brooks, who the Orioles acquired on waivers from the Athletics on Tuesday, will start the first game of Saturday’s day-night doubleheader against the Rays.

Brooks was 2-3 with a 5.01 ERA with the Athletics, and hasn’t started since April 30.

“We’re going to work him in,” Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said. “We’re going to stretch out. He hasn’t thrown in a while. He hasn’t started in a while.”

Brooks’ last game action came on June 30, when he allowed a run on three hits in two innings in the Athletics’ 12-3 win over the Angels.

“We see him, potentially, possibly, joining the rotation at some point,” Hyde said. “We’ll see how it goes. We’ve got to get him stretched out. It’s going to take a little while before that happens, because he hasn’t pitched.”

Brooks will be the 15th starter, 31st pitcher and 47th player used by the Orioles this season.

“Always excited for the new opportunity,” Brooks said of his move to the Orioles. “I feel comfortable as a starter.”

One of Brooks’ best moments came at Camden Yards on April 11, when he allowed three runs on six hits in six innings in the Athletics’ 8-5 win over the Orioles.

“We saw him earlier in the year make a really nice start against us,” Hyde said. “We’re going to continue to give guys opportunities to build the talent level in this organization. I think there are going to be lots of opportunities for starts over the last 70-plus games.”

Brooks was activated by the Orioles on Wednesday.

“It was fun pitching here earlier this year,” Brooks said. “I do enjoy being on the other side of the field. I’m excited to get out there and get going.”

Brooks will have to rapidly become familiar with his new teammates.

“Pretty much all new faces,” he said.

John Means, who was the Orioles’ only All-Star representative, will start the second game of the doubleheader on Saturday. Right-hander David Hess is expected to be the 26th man that day.