**Baltimore Orioles Call Up Former Starter to Replace Injured Pitcher**
The Baltimore Orioles are bringing back a former starting pitcher, Cole Irvin, to fill in for the injured Zack Eflin. According to the Baltimore Banner, the Orioles will select the contract of left-hander Cole Irvin so he can start Wednesday afternoon’s game against the New York Mets.
This move comes after the Orioles placed pitcher Zach Eflin on the 15-day injured list due to right shoulder inflammation. Eflin is the fifth Orioles starting pitcher to land on the IL this season, with three of them out for the year.
The Orioles are fortunate to still have Irvin in their organization. He began the season in the starting rotation but was moved to the bullpen as the team’s rotation got healthier. When the Orioles made a move for Eflin, they designated Irvin for assignment on July 30.
Luckily, Irvin cleared waivers and wasn’t traded. The 30-year-old pitcher accepted an assignment to Triple-A Norfolk, and he will now join the Orioles in New York to pitch on six days of rest. He could remain in the rotation for several starts, depending on the situation.
This season in the majors, Irvin has a record of 6-5 with a 4.85 ERA in 21 games (14 starts), striking out 66 batters and walking 21 in 94.2 innings.
How long Irvin will stay in the major leagues is uncertain. If Eflin is able to return after 15 days, the Orioles will face a dilemma. Since Irvin is out of minor-league options, they would have to designate him for assignment again, hope he clears waivers again, and then accept another assignment to the minors.
Irvin joined the Orioles in a trade from the Oakland Athletics before the 2023 season. During that season, he posted a 1-4 record in 24 games before being sent to Norfolk. Before his time with the Orioles, Irvin was a starter for the Philadelphia Phillies (2019-2020) and the Oakland Athletics (2021-2022). Over his career, he has a 28-39 record with a 4.48 ERA, 422 strikeouts, and 134 walks in 576.2 innings pitched.
Zack Eflin joined Grayson Rodriguez on the 15-day injured list. Rodriguez is not expected back until September. Additionally, three other starters—Kyle Bradish, John Means, and Tyler Wells—are out for the season after surgeries and aren’t expected back until at least mid-2025.
The Orioles are also dealing with injuries in their bullpen. Three relievers are on the injured list, including closer Félix Bautista, who is out for the season after Tommy John surgery last year. Danny Coulombe and Jacob Webb are also on the IL.
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