The Orioles’ best starting pitcher in the first half of the season is now in Double-A.

Baltimore optioned Tyler Wells down to Double-A Bowie after his third straight ineffective start Saturday, the team announced Sunday afternoon.

The Orioles selected the contract of right-hander Joey Krehbiel as the corresponding move. To make space for Krehbiel on the 40-man roster, they designated right-hander Eduard Bazardo for assignment.

A month ago, Wells was undoubtedly the Orioles’ best starting pitcher and was seen as a potential All-Star candidate. He posted a 3.18 ERA and an MLB-best 0.927 WHIP before the All-Star break. He covered at least five innings in each of his 18 first-half outings.

However, the 6-foot-8 right-hander has struggled mightily in his three starts since the break. He’s failed to make it past the third inning in two of the three outings, allowing 19 base runners and 11 runs in just nine innings.

Manager Brandon Hyde said after Wells’ start Saturday — 2 ⅔ innings, three hits, three walks, three runs against the New York Yankees — that the 28-year-old didn’t look like himself. Hyde and Wells both said after the loss that Wells’ command has been the main issue recently.

Orioles executive vice president and general manager Mike Elias said Friday that the organization is monitoring the workloads for Wells and the other members of the club’s young starting rotation. Wells is already approaching his single-season high in innings, as are Dean Kremer and Grayson Rodriguez.

The trip down to Double-A is Wells’ first time being optioned since he joined the Orioles as a Rule 5 draft pick in 2021. Baltimore had originally listed Wells as its starter Thursday against the New York Mets, but that is now listed as, “to be determined.”

This story will be updated.

()