Wieters returns after right hamstring injury

BALTIMORE -- Matt Wieters returned to the Orioles starting lineup in Tuesday's 5-3 loss to the Mets and manager Buck Showalter -- who slotted Steve Clevenger in at designated hitter -- said the plan is to keep three catchers for now.

"All three of them bring a threat offensively, which is unusual as a whole, for 30 teams," Showalter said of a catching corps that also includes Caleb Joseph. "I think Stevie can play first, third, outfield, give us some good coverage there. He's swinging the bat well, [we want to] take advantage of it."

In his first game in a week, Wieters batted fifth and went 2-for-4 with a run scored, while Clevenger went 1-for-4. With Wieters' return, he's been sidelined since Aug. 11 with a right hamstring strain, Clevenger could see more time at DH.

Wieters tested his right hamstring out on the field prior to Monday's game and said he didn't feel any tightness when running. He woke up on Tuesday morning with no issues and was given the green light to get back behind the plate.

"I'm excited to feel that way and be ready to go today," Wieters said.

"I think actually catching, keeping it loose and keeping it moving, may be better for it than getting an at-bat [as a DH] and sitting around for a few innings."

Since Wieters wasn't on the disabled list, the O's didn't need to clear a roster spot. Clevenger could leave the team next month, however, on paternity leave. His wife is due on Sept. 10.