BALTIMORE — Desiring another long reliever for the rest of a four-game series against the powerful Boston lineup, the Orioles recalled left-handed pitcher T.J. McFarland prior to Wednesday’s game.
Rookie lefty Ashur Tolliver was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk to make room on the 25-man roster.
McFarland had recently been sidelined with a knee injury that briefly landed him on the minor-league disabled list, but he pitched two scoreless innings for the Tides on Monday. The 26-year-old began the season in Baltimore, posting a 4.73 ERA in 13 1/3 innings of work.
With the Orioles producing just five quality starts in their last 15 games, manager Buck Showalter wanted to have both Vance Worley and McFarland available in the bullpen. Mike Wright and Ubaldo Jimenez were scheduled to start the final two games of the Red Sox series, but both have struggled in recent starts, facilitating a need for more bullpen depth.
Tolliver made his major league debut in Houston on May 26 and pitched to a 6.75 ERA in his four appearances covering four innings. He allowed three earned runs in Monday’s 7-2 loss to Boston.
