Tomko to throw for Orioles

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

January 20, 2014, 2:25pm

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One week after giving veteran hitter Jack Cust a tryout at their mini-camp in Sarasota, the Orioles will take a look at veteran pitcher Brett Tomko in Southern California. Tomko's brother, Scott, reported the news, which has been passed along by a couple of national writers. The session will take place on Friday. Tomko is on the comeback trail. He's 40 and hasn't pitched in the majors since making eight relief appearances with the Rangers in 2011. He spent last year with the York Revolution of the independent Atlantic League, going 4-8 with a 4.98 ERA in 19 starts. Tomko retired in August and joined the Royals organization as a scout. Now Tomko is the one being scouted. Numerous teams have watched him throw, and it's the Orioles' turn on Friday. Tomko's fastball reportedly has been clocked in the low 90s. This is another tryout. Tomko isn't regarded as the missing piece to the rotation. He may not be considered a starter, considering his 131 career relief appearances. Other teams are showing interest, so the Orioles may as well let one of their scouts take a look at him. Tomko is 100-103 with a 4.65 ERA in 14 seasons with 10 teams. OK, fire away.