Continuing their search for fresh and effective arms in an injury-depleted bullpen, the Orioles designated veteran Edwin Jackson for assignment and optioned Stefan Crichton to Triple-A Norfolk on Sunday morning.
Baltimore recalled right-hander Logan Verrett and selected the contract of 25-year-old Jimmy Yacabonis from the Tides to fill those open spots on the 25-man roster before the finale of a three-game set with the New York Yankees.
Jackson, 33, had just been promoted from Norfolk on Wednesday, but he had struggled mightily in his three appearances, surrendering seven runs (four earned), 11 hits, two home runs, and four walks in five innings. Manager Buck Showalter expressed hope that Jackson would remain with the organization, but the right-hander was of little help to a bullpen currently without two-time All-Star closer Zach Britton and 2015 All-Star setup man Darren O’Day.
Crichton gave up six earned runs in a combined 3 1/3 innings on Friday and Saturday and now holds an 8.49 ERA in 11 2/3 innings with Baltimore this season.
Many have clamored for Yacabonis to receive an opportunity with the right-hander posting a 0.90 ERA in 30 innings with the Tides this season. However, the right-hander has struck out just 18 batters while walking 16, making one wonder how his stuff will translate to the major league level.
Despite a 5.87 ERA for the Tides this season, Verrett has fared well in his previous stints with the Orioles, pitching to a 3.38 ERA in eight innings and twice recording victories in extra-inning performances.
Coming off Saturday’s disastrous 16-3 loss to the Yankees, the Orioles rank 13th in the American League with a 4.61 team ERA.
In more encouraging bullpen-related news, manager Buck Showalter revealed that Britton will complete one more bullpen session and throw live batting practice this week. If those sessions go well, the lefty is scheduled to begin his minor-league rehab assignment at short-season Single-A Aberdeen on June 19.
Britton has spent all but a few days on the disabled list with a left forearm strain since mid-April.
