McFarland returns to lengthen Orioles' bullpen
Aug 05, 2015
OAKLAND, Calif. -- Left-hander T.J. McFarland continued racking up frequent flyer miles Tuesday when the Orioles recalled him from Triple-A Norfolk for the fifth time this season.
McFarland gives manager Buck Showalter a seventh relief pitcher and a third lefty in the bullpen. He pitched two scoreless innings Tuesday in Baltimore's 5-0 loss to Oakland, striking out two and allowing one hit.
He is 0-1 with a 2.35 ERA in 13 major league relief appearances this season. Last year, McFarland went 4-2 with 2.76 ERA in 37 games. In 2013, he went 4-1 with a 4.22 ERA in 38 appearances.
"He pounds the zone, sinks it," Showalter said before Tuesday's game. "He's a good addition for us. We've been trying to figure out a way to make it fit all year. It's been a challenge. He did a job for us the last couple years, really last year, that we need done."
To make room for McFarland on the 25-man roster, Baltimore optioned rookie right-hander Tyler Wilson to Norfolk. Wilson was called up Monday to make a spot start for injured right-hander Chris Tillman, and he threw a gem, allowing two runs over 7 2/3 innings in a 9-2 victory over Oakland.
Showalter said he didn't decide to send Wilson down until he checked on Tillman's left ankle to make sure the veteran hadn't experienced a setback in his recovery.
"He still feels good from (Monday) throwing," Showalter said of Tillman. "He's going to try to work (Wednesday) and work off the mound with some moving around, but that could be Thursday, could be on an off day, could be Friday. We're going to start with it being (Wednesday). He feels a little better. But if he had had a setback at all, we probably would have held Tyler.
"But we feel like Chris will be able to start by (Tuesday), which is really what you have to ask yourself. I want Tyler to keep the ball in his hands. He'll be pitching Sunday for (Norfolk). Mac helps us in the bullpen."
If Tillman can't start by Tuesday, the Orioles would have to add another starter.
Aug 05, 2015
OAKLAND, Calif. -- Left-hander T.J. McFarland continued racking up frequent flyer miles Tuesday when the Orioles recalled him from Triple-A Norfolk for the fifth time this season.
McFarland gives manager Buck Showalter a seventh relief pitcher and a third lefty in the bullpen. He pitched two scoreless innings Tuesday in Baltimore's 5-0 loss to Oakland, striking out two and allowing one hit.
He is 0-1 with a 2.35 ERA in 13 major league relief appearances this season. Last year, McFarland went 4-2 with 2.76 ERA in 37 games. In 2013, he went 4-1 with a 4.22 ERA in 38 appearances.
"He pounds the zone, sinks it," Showalter said before Tuesday's game. "He's a good addition for us. We've been trying to figure out a way to make it fit all year. It's been a challenge. He did a job for us the last couple years, really last year, that we need done."
To make room for McFarland on the 25-man roster, Baltimore optioned rookie right-hander Tyler Wilson to Norfolk. Wilson was called up Monday to make a spot start for injured right-hander Chris Tillman, and he threw a gem, allowing two runs over 7 2/3 innings in a 9-2 victory over Oakland.
Showalter said he didn't decide to send Wilson down until he checked on Tillman's left ankle to make sure the veteran hadn't experienced a setback in his recovery.
"He still feels good from (Monday) throwing," Showalter said of Tillman. "He's going to try to work (Wednesday) and work off the mound with some moving around, but that could be Thursday, could be on an off day, could be Friday. We're going to start with it being (Wednesday). He feels a little better. But if he had had a setback at all, we probably would have held Tyler.
"But we feel like Chris will be able to start by (Tuesday), which is really what you have to ask yourself. I want Tyler to keep the ball in his hands. He'll be pitching Sunday for (Norfolk). Mac helps us in the bullpen."
If Tillman can't start by Tuesday, the Orioles would have to add another starter.
