Before this season, the most recent time Charlie Morton had pitched out of the bullpen was in Game 7 of the 2017 World Series. Morton pitched the final four innings for the win, etching his name and those Houston Astros into baseball history.

When he pitched out of the bullpen Tuesday, it was with much less fanfare. But that’s his new role — at least for now.

Manager Brandon Hyde said Wednesday that the Orioles have moved Morton to the bullpen amid his poor start to his first season in Baltimore. Morton recorded a 10.36 ERA across his first six outings as a member of the Orioles’ rotation — all losses. He was only the second pitcher in Orioles history — and 30th in MLB history — to begin a season losing each of his first six appearances.

Hyde didn’t commit to this decision for the long term, though. Given the Orioles’ rotation woes — a 6.05 ERA that’s the main culprit behind the ballclub’s 11-18 start — Hyde wasn’t willing to rule out Morton, who signed for $15 million this offseason, being a starter later in the season.

“We haven’t closed the door on him starting still,” Hyde said. “We’re trying to get him going a little bit.”

Morton is being replaced by veteran Kyle Gibson, who allowed nine runs and five homers in his season debut Tuesday against the New York Yankees. Baltimore now only has four starters on its active roster, though days off Thursday and Monday could allow the Orioles to go without needing a fifth starter until May 10.

“We’re going to continue to use him in the bullpen here for the short term,” Hyde added. “Then we’ll kind of see where we are as things kind of shake out.”

Hyde said the 41-year-old right-hander was “unbelievably professional” when told he was moving to the bullpen.

“It was a great conversation,” Hyde said. “He’s a total pro.”

Hyde was especially thankful for Morton making himself available to pitch in relief Tuesday. Amid the latest blowout loss, Morton saved Hyde from using his best relievers by pitching 2 1/3 innings on only two days’ rest. Morton threw 80 pitches in his bulk relief outing Saturday.

“I thanked him multiple times,” said Hyde, who wasn’t expecting Morton to be available. But Morton called down to the dugout during the game and told Hyde he wanted to pitch.

Morton allowed one unearned run while allowing three hits and one walk in 2 1/3 frames.

“That was the best he’s thrown all year for me,” Hyde said. “The command was way better, I loved the aggressiveness in the strike zone.”

Around the horn

Reliever Andrew Kittredge (right knee) threw a live bullpen session at Camden Yards before Wednesday’s game. Hyde said Kittredge, who hasn’t pitched in a game since undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery during spring training, “feels good” and will soon begin a minor league rehabilitation assignment.

The Orioles announced their probable starters versus the Kansas City Royals this weekend. Dean Kremer, Tomoyuki Sugano and Gibson will pitch Friday, Saturday and Sunday, respectively.

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