Gabino is excited and ready for a shot with the O's

Right-hander Armando Gabino joined the O's today to take the roster spot of David Hernandez, who went on the DL. The 26-year-old native of the Dominican was 7-0, 2.12 with two saves at Norfolk in 27 games with seven starts. He allowed just 55 hits in 76 1/3 with 20 walks, 68 strikeouts and a .199 average against. "I am so excited. I found out last night about 11:30. Our manager told me. We were supposed to go to Louisville at five in the morning. But he said you are going to Baltimore. "What I've been doing down there, it's been starter, reliever. Yeah, little bit of everything." Gabino has pitched in two Major League games, giving up seven runs in 3 2/3 last August and September for the Twins. The O's signed him on a waiver claim after the season in November. By the way, he made his Major League debut last August 25 in a start vs. the Orioles and gave up four runs over 2 2/3 innings. Since July 1st, he is 3-0, 1.13 with 19 strikeouts over 24 innings. "I was focusing on first-pitch strikes. And working my two-seam and my slider, that was the key. My two-seamer was a big pitch for me." Gabino, who held right-handed batters to a .159 average, had an ERA of 1.64 over 20 relief outings. "I've just been working hard and looking for an opportunity. The door opened and I'm here. Want to help this team to win," he said.