The Orioles elected to keep right-handed pitcher Oliver Drake in the organization by signing the 27-year-old to a major league contract on Tuesday.
Before becoming a minor-league free agent this offseason, the 27-year-old had a strong 2014 campaign at Double-A Bowie. In 52 2/3 innings, Drake posted a 3.08 ERA with 31 saves and averaged 12.1 strikeouts per nine innings to prove he was fully recovered from shoulder surgery two years earlier.
Drake was previously on the 40-man roster before being outrighted due to the 2012 shoulder surgery. He’s posted strong numbers since returning to pitch for Bowie in 2013, putting himself back on the organization’s map as a possible option in the bullpen.
A 43rd-round pick out of the Naval Academy in the 2008 draft, Drake began his professional career as a starting pitcher before he injured his shoulder. In 160 career minor-league games spanning seven seasons, Drake has gone 32-28 with a 3.53 ERA.
The Orioles now have 34 players on their 40-man roster.
