As predicted on this week’s BSR Podcast and @BalSportsReport on Twitter, FoxSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal reports that the Orioles plan to promote Freddy Garcia from Triple-A Norfolk to start against the Angels on Saturday.
Garcia has been an absolute monster for the Tides, he’s 4-0 with a 2.67 ERA in 33 2/3 innings pitched with a stellar 10.5 K/BB. The veteran righty recently extended his opt out clause to May 14 to remain in the organization, likely because he was told he’d be called upon soon.
The San Diego Padres released Garcia after a rough spring training, but he’s a proven starter with 152 wins under his belt and a career 4.15 ERA over 14 seasons. The 36-year-old is out of options, so Saturday’s start wouldn’t be a temporary move for the O’s.
CSNBaltimore.com’s Rich Dubroff points out that the O’s could option Taylor Teagarden, designate Yamaico Navarro for assignment or move Brian Roberts to the 60-day disabled list to make room for Garcia on the 40 man roster. Folks are likely rolling their eyes about Roberts’ injury, but Buck Showalter said as recently as Tuesday that the O’s are optimistic he won’t be placed on the 60-day DL. If he is however, Roberts would be eligible to return on June 3.
Tons of jokes have already been made about the Orioles promoting an aging pitcher, but I’m eager to see what he’s got after such a dominant effort in Norfolk.
Whatever it takes.
We knew Buck and DD would keep the pipeline between Norfolk-Bowie-Baltimore rolling again this year, and her we go again.
The wave of the future.
They should talk to the Phil’s about Utley. Arrive tea plus 1 might be enough to get him.