Orioles Roster Changes

Amidst the teams recent stuggles, the Orioles have made more adjustments to the major league roster.  First off, 3B/1B Mark Reynolds has been activated from the disabled list, replacing pitcher Stu Pomeranz, who suffered a torn oblique. Roch Kubatko also reported, Endy Chavez will rejoin the team and pitcher, Miguel Gonzalez has been summoned from Triple-A Norfolk to the big leagues.  As a result, young outfielder Xavier Avery and pitcher Tommy Hunter have been sent down to the minor leagues.  Both are going to the Orioles Triple-A affiliate, Norfolk.

Hunter had his worst outing of the year the last night, getting touched up for 6 runs (five earned) and 9 hits over just three innings.  With Zach Britton inching closer and closer to returning, Hunter's spot is definitely in jeopardy as the season progresses.  Xavier Avery had a good showing for a young player being thrust into the big leagues.  Avery still needs to learn to play LF since he is a natural CF.

Next injured players to keep your eyes on for returns are Brian Roberts, Zach Britton, and Nolan Reimold.  Hopefully Mark Reynolds can have a power surge to help out Adam Jones and Matt Wieters with the offensive support.  I only hope Buck Showalter puts him nowhere near starting at 3B.

Until then, let's hope the O's can snap out of this funk tonight against the Blue Jays as we have more AL East rival games upcoming.

Orioles Switch Up The Roster

After finishing off a three game sweep of the Boston Red Sox yesterday, the Orioles made some adjustments to their roster before the series with the AL Champion Rangers began.  Yesterday's starting pitcher, Tommy Hunter, along with Ronny Paulino, have both been demoted to Triple A.  Both moves were surprising, even given that Hunter did not fair well in Sunday's game.  He allowed five runs on eight  hits in 4 1/3 innings.  Paulino definitely hadn't been doing badly.  He was hitting .300 with three RBIs in limited duty.  Paulino made some sense only because the Orioles had called up Luis Exposito and I figured they would not go with three catchers for long.

While Hunter and Paulino were optioned, two relief pitchers were recalled to the team.  Jason Berken will replace Hunter's roster spot while Stu Pomeranz will take over for Paulino.  O's fans recognize Berken from past years.  He is currently pitching to a 1.23 ERA in Norfolk.  Pomeranz, is the brother of Rockies pitcher, Drew Pomeranz who was the centerpiece in the Ubaldo Jimenez trade from Cleveland.  Hopefully, they can make an impact and help the team while this brutal stretch in the schedule continues.