Right-hander Jimmy Yacabonis returns to O's roster

The Orioles are adjusting their bullpen once again. Right-hander Jimmy Yacabonis has returned to the team and right-hander Alec Asher has been optioned back to Triple-A Norfolk. Asher will pitch as a starter for the Tides.

The 25-year-old Yacabonis was with the Orioles briefly last month. His contract was purchased and he was added to the 25-man and 40-man rosters on June 11. He got into three games before being optioned back to Norfolk on June 15 after the game. He posted a 10.80 ERA in those games, going 3 1/3 innings allowing three hits and four runs with six walks and one strikeout.

But the 13th-round draft pick in 2013 out of St. Joseph's University has been stellar for the Tides this year in the International League. He is 1-0 with seven saves and an ERA of 0.93 in Triple-A. Over 38 2/3 innings, he has given up just 17 hits and a .134 average against with 21 walks and 25 strikeouts.

Asher has been on the active roster since May 6, going 2-5 with a 5.53 ERA in 21 games including six starts. Over 55 1/3 innings, he allowed 56 hits and 35 runs with 21 walks, 42 strikeouts and a .264 batting average against.

Asher pitched in relief in the Orioles' 10-3 loss to the Rays on Saturday. He went 1 2/3 innings, allowing four hits and five runs.

O's pitchers will try to cool down the Rays bats today. In the first two games of this series, the Orioles allowed 16 runs and 24 hits, including six homers. Tampa Bay hit four 400-plus foot homers in yesterday's win. Right-hander Kevin Gausman (4-7, 6.07 ERA) faces right-hander Alex Cobb (6-5, 3.73 ERA) in today's series finale as the Rays go for a three-game sweep.