A look at Rey Navarro's connection with a former Oriole

For now, Rey Navarro has become the everyday second baseman for the Orioles. Signed by the club to a major league contract in November, he was called up from Triple-A Norfolk for Friday night's game and made his major league debut that evening.

It was a long time coming for the 25-year-old Navarro, who was orginally a third-round draft pick by Arizona in 2007.

Before his debut Friday, he had played in 885 minor league games with 3,289 at-bats on the farm.

Navarro has a connection to former Orioles outfielder Luis Matos, who played 494 games here from 2000-2006. Both are natives of Puerto Rico. Navarro said they have played winter ball together.

"He used to be my teammate," Navarro said of Matos. "He was my hitting coach last year in winter ball. I know him pretty well. I talk to him, maybe not every day, but about every other day. He told me this was a great city. He loved to play here and loved the people here."

Navarro began this year on the disabled list with a groin injury and then was activated by Norfolk last Tuesday. After going 3-for-7 with a homer in two games there, Ryan Flaherty went on the DL on Friday. Navarro then got his call to the majors, and he's been starting ever since.

He went 4-for-12 in the series with Boston, including a 3-for-5 day Sunday, with a double and his first major league RBI and multi-hit game.

"It has been great," Navarro said. "Been a dream to be here playing the game.

"I want to contribute to wins and can do the little things like bunting and moving the runner. Catching the ball and playing defense. You have to play defense if you want to play here. Every day we are trying to get better."

The Orioles have been getting contributions from throughout their roster, and with all the injuries they've had to deal with, their reserves are trying to step up.

"We all are working together," Navarro said. "We've been playing for a long time in the minors and know the game well."

His first major league hit was a double in the fifth inning on Friday off Boston's Rick Porcello. After his long road to the major leagues, he has that ball and will be hanging on to it for a long time.

"I'm going to save it," Navarro said. "It's the moment you waited a long time for. It's super special."