Baltimore native Steve Clevenger rejoined the Orioles today. He was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk and David Lough was designated for assignment. Clevenger gives the Orioles a healthy second catcher. Matt Wieters said he feels better though, as he deals with a sore hamstring and remains on the active roster.
"It's exciting to be here," Clevenger said this afternoon. "They are in a playoff run so I want to help the team any way I can."
In 75 games with Norfolk, Clevenger has hit .305 with four homers, 32 RBIs and a .769 OPS. He is batting .321 with an OPS of .830 against right-handed pitching.
"It's been a good year, but also frustrating," he said. "I went down there and have played well. You have to keep grinding it out and hope for the best. Right now I have an opportunity to come here and help the team."
He was asked why he said the season has been frustrating at times.
"You know, just one of those things," he said. "No one wants to be in the minor leagues. Everyone wants to be in the big leagues. Right now I have an opportunity to come here and do some things. Some times you have to go back to the minors."
Clevenger has said often this year he has worked very hard on his defense behind the plate. He threw out 25 percent of runners with the Tides.
"I feel really good," Clevenger said. "Been throwing the ball well down there and throwing base runners out. We are leading the league in pitching (in the International League). Those guys are pretty good. They get most of the credit. Just tried to go down there, take control of the staff and learn a little bit more about catching."
On another topic, former O's third baseman Melvin Mora and outfielders Gary Roenicke and John Lowenstein will be inducted later tonight into the Orioles Hall of Fame. The ceremony will take place before tonight's game against Oakland. Long-time scout Fred Uhlman Sr. will be inducted as this year's Herb Armstrong Award winner.
Mora's induction has meaning for new Orioles outfielder Gerardo Parra, who sees Mora as somewhat of a mentor. Both are natives of Venezuela and they played together on the 2011 Arizona Diamondbacks.
"He is a great guy and really played hard," Parra said of Mora. "We played together in 2011 but the first time I saw him was on TV in Venezuela. I'm happy for him. The Orioles Hall of Fame is a great honor.
"I think he is one of the best players from Venezuela. He has beautiful numbers. He is such a great guy. I hope to get the chance to talk with him today."
Parra said Mora helped him improve as a player.
"In every way," Parra said. "He gave me pointers about hitting and he showed me how to play hard every day and have fun. He helped me a lot."
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