O's put Means on family medical emergency list

BALTIMORE -- A day after John Means got back on track with an efficient 7-1 victory over the Rays, the Orioles learned that their All-Star lefty will be inactive for an undetermined amount of time. The O's placed Means on the family medical emergency list on Sunday and recalled right-handed reliever Tayler Scott in a corresponding move.

Manager Brandon Hyde said the Orioles are unsure if Means will be able to return in time for his next start, tentatively scheduled for Friday in Kansas City. A Kansas City area native, Means returned there Sunday and is expected to meet the club at Kauffman Stadium next weekend, whether he is activated or not. But the situation remains fluid.

Hyde did not disclose the details of Means’ situation, calling it a private matter. Hyde said Means would throw on his own while away from the team, with an eye toward starting soon after his return.

“We’re hoping he can stay on schedule,” Hyde said. “If we can't, then we can’t; we’ll figure it out. We’re going to do the best thing for him and his family.”

Per MLB rules, players may spend three to seven days on the family medical emergency list, accumulating service time during that span. If a player's absence extends to more than seven days, the club must place him on the restricted list -- where he is not paid and does not earn service time.

Means, 26, improved to 9-9 with a 3.61 ERA by slicing through the Rays' lineup for seven innings on Saturday night, matching a career high with seven strikeouts. He leads all Baltimore starters in ERA, FIP (4.43) and WAR (3.4).

His absence leaves the Orioles with a three-man rotation, though their two off-days this week provide flexibility should Means remain inactive past Friday. Sunday starter Dylan Bundy would be back on full rest by then; Gabriel Ynoa, Tom Eshelman, Chandler Shepherd and David Hess qualify as options if Means needs more time. All are expected to be summoned when rosters expand next Sunday.