Orioles adding Oliver Drake to expanded roster (updated)

One day after deciding to select the contract of right-hander Steve Johnson from Triple-A Norfolk, the Orioles also are leaning toward recalling reliever Oliver Drake, according to an official. He's expected in Baltimore for the Rays series this week.

Drake, who pitched at the Naval Academy, is 1-2 with a 0.82 ERA and 0.89 WHIP and 23 saves in 42 games with Norfolk. He's allowed only four runs and 23 hits in 44 innings, with 16 walks and 66 strikeouts.

The Orioles were tempted to keep Drake with the Tides as the club made its final push toward a playoff berth, but they're also trying to save their season. They've lost 11 of 12 games and are only two ahead of the last-place Red Sox in the American League East.

Drake underwent labrum surgery three years ago, returned to the 40-man roster over the winter and positioned himself as a favorite to be named the organization's minor league Pitcher of the Year.

Johnson was placed on the taxi squad yesterday and will have his contract selected today. Also, reliever Chaz Roe will come off the disabled list on Wednesday to provide another bullpen arm.

More players will be added from Norfolk later in the month. There also have been discussions regarding a few players at Double-A Bowie.

Tides outfielder Dariel Alvarez would have been a September call-up, but he already had his contract selected over the weekend.

Drake allowed three runs in 7 2/3 innings with the Orioles this summer in his first exposure to the majors.

I asked director of player development Brian Graham earlier this week about Drake's breakthrough season in the International League.

"The quality of his strikes has really improved," Graham said. "He's been able to throw his split-finger ahead in the count and behind in the count. When you throw that split-finger for a strike, you have a chance to get a lot of outs. His numbers are off the charts for the Triple-A level. They really are."

Update: Norfolk skipper Ron Johnson has been named the International League Manager of the Year. Alvarez and Drake were named IL All-Stars.