BOSTON - The Orioles haven't announced a roster move and won't do so until tomorrow, but they're expected to purchase Stu Pomeranz's contract from Triple-A Norfolk to provide manager Buck Showalter with another bullpen arm.
It's not official, but that's what I've heard. Stay tuned.
Pomeranz, 27, has emerged as a logical choice despite not being on the 40-man roster. He didn't pitch for the Tides in today's doubleheader, and he's allowed only two unearned runs and seven hits in 19 combined innings between Norfolk and Double-A Bowie, with two walks and an astounding 32 strikeouts.
Pomeranz hasn't given up a run or hit in 5 2/3 innings with Norfolk, walking one and striking out 12. His last appearance came on Friday, when he worked two innings.
The Orioles signed Pomeranz to a minor league contract on Feb. 2, and the 6-foot-7 right-hander impressed Showalter in spring training despite not receiving a formal invite.
The Cardinals drafted Pomeranz in the second round in 2003, but injuries stalled his career. He appeared in only two games last year at Double-A Chattanooga and missed the entire 2008 season.
He's the older brother of Colorado pitcher Drew Pomeranz.
The Orioles can transfer pitcher Tsuyoshi Wada to the 60-day disabled list to make room for Pomeranz on the 40-man roster.
As for making room on the 25-man roster, they could return catcher Luis Exposito to Norfolk and go with a short bench. They don't have much flexibility in their bullpen when it comes to minor league options.
Anyway, let's see how it plays out.
UPDATED: It's definitely Pomeranz. I've gotten confirmation. He'll be at Camden Yards tomorrow afternoon.
I have to be up at 4:30 a.m. tomorrow to catch my flight back to Baltimore, and I still haven't packed. I'm also not liking my chances of digesting this burger that I just consumed in 4.5 seconds, along with a big pile of fries.
Bad call.
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