The Orioles announced four roster moves this morning, including the news that right-hander Albert Suarez has been designated for assignment. Righty Tyler Wells was also optioned to Triple-A, while left-hander Nick Raquet was called up from Triple-A. Left-hander Dietrich Enns was also activated from the 15-day injured list.
Perhaps the most intriguing transaction is still to come, as The Baltimore Banner’s Andy Kostka reported earlier today that top pitching prospect Trey Gibson is joining the team in New York. Gibson is on the Orioles’ taxi squad for now, but he could be officially selected to make his MLB debut in a start tomorrow at Yankee Stadium.
This is second time in a week that the O’s have designated Suarez. The righty’s first trip through DFA limbo saw him clear waivers, elect free agency over an outright assignment, and then quickly re-sign with Baltimore on a new minor league contract. That new deal was then promptly selected back to the 26-man roster yesterday when Ryan Helsley was placed on the 15-day IL, and Suarez threw 2 2/3 innings in Friday’s 7-2 Orioles loss to the Yankees.
Wells also threw 25 pitches over 1 1/3 innings of relief work yesterday, so today’s moves are largely about getting some fresh arms into the bullpen with the O’s having a quick turn-around of an afternoon game after Friday’s night game. Between Wells’ work last night and his two remaining minor league options, he was a logical candidate to be sent down on paper, even if the move is a surprise given how the righty has been both pitching well and something of a roster fixture.
More to come…
