BALTIMORE — With starting pitcher Zach Eflin going on the 15-day injured list with elbow discomfort and the bullpen being taxed during the opening homestand, the Orioles summoned right-hander Albert Suarez to Camden Yards for Wednesday’s series finale against Texas.
Baltimore selected the contract of the 36-year-old Suarze, who hadn’t yet appeared in a game for Triple-A Norfolk this season. To make room for Suarez on the 40-man roster, the Orioles transferred infielder Jordan Westburg (right elbow) to the 60-day IL. With the Orioles not needing a fifth starter again until April 7, right-hander Dean Kremer will remain at Norfolk for the time being and presumably make his scheduled start for the Tides on Friday afternoon.
One of the unsung heroes of the 2024 club, Suarez has started and pitched in relief for the Orioles, so he would also be an option to start next week. After an injury-plagued 2025 campaign, Suarez returned to the club on a minor-league deal this offseason with an invitation to major league camp. Despite not making the 26-man roster out of camp, Suarez figured to be one of the earliest options on call.
Two years ago, Suarez finished second on the Orioles in innings pitched (133 2/3) behind only Corbin Burnes.
“It’s a great value,” said manager Craig Albernaz about Suarez’s versatility. “When we talked to him in spring training about him not making the Opening Day roster, that’s something that we reiterated to him multiple times — just the value that he brings to us and the organization. This is where it’s happening right now. We’re excited to have ‘Alby’ here. He’s just a great teammate, great competitor, and he can pitch.”
Baltimore moving Westburg to the 60-day IL means the 27-year-old won’t be eligible to be activated until late May, but that’s hardly surprising after president of baseball operations Mike Elias recently acknowledged he wouldn’t be ready to return by early May. Westburg received a platelet-rich plasma injection for a partial tear of the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow in February, which has put his 2026 availability in question.
Though progressing through baseball activities in Sarasota, it remains unclear when Westburg will be able to return and in what capacity he’d be able to contribute with the injury to his throwing elbow.
“He’s swinging a bat,” Albernaz said Wednesday. “He’s throwing a baseball-ish, I think.”
