Orioles recall Zimmermann and option Sulser

The Orioles recalled left-hander Bruce Zimmermann from Triple-A Norfolk this morning, returning the Baltimore native to the majors. Reliever Beau Sulser was optioned after last night’s thrilling 5-4, walk-off win over the Angels at Camden Yards.

Manager Brandon Hyde will explain later whether Zimmermann goes back into the rotation or provides length out of the bullpen.

The timing of today’s move suggests at least a temporary relief assignment. Another long man after Keegan Akin pitched last night.

Zimmermann was optioned while the Orioles were in Toronto. He allowed 17 home runs in his last seven starts, and 18 overall, while compiling a 5.94 ERA and 1.470 WHIP in 13 games over 66 2/3 innings.

During his reset, Zimmermann made three appearances and two starts with Norfolk and allowed nine runs and 18 hits with six walks and 20 strikeouts in 18 innings. He held Gwinnett to one run and three hits in six innings on June 28, faced them again in his last start and allowed three runs with no walks in seven innings.

Sulser tossed 1 1/3 scoreless innings last night in his second appearance with the Orioles.

The Orioles will try tonight, weather permitting, to win their seventh game in a row for the first time since Aug. 7-13, 2020. And to get within two of .500 for the first time since April 11 (1-3).

They’re currently four back for the last spot in the wild card race.

Dean Kremer is making his seventh start since rejoining the Orioles. His scoreless innings streak ended at 22 2/3 in his last outing, when he allowed five runs and eight hits in 4 2/3 against the Rangers.

Left-hander Patrick Sandoval, an 11^th-round pick of the Astros in the 2015 draft, has registered a 3.09 ERA and 1.414 WHIP in 13 starts. He’s surrendered only four home runs in 70 innings.

Sandoval, who’s averaging 4.1 walks and 9.5 strikeouts per nine innings, has allowed three earned runs or fewer in 11 starts and two or fewer in nine.

In his only career start against the Orioles, Sandoval allowed two runs and two hits in five innings with five walks and seven strikeouts.

Outfielder Heston Kjerstad is batting .468/.558/.649 with eight doubles, two home runs and 16 RBIs in 21 games with Single-A Delmarva and is nearing a promotion to High-A Aberdeen.