Zach Phillips talks about returning to the Orioles

Lefty pitcher Zach Phillips was back in the Orioles clubhouse today. After being among the last roster cuts at the very end of spring training, Phillips has been activated tonight and recalled from Triple-A Norfolk in time for the game versus Texas with Jason Berken returning to Triple-A Norfolk. Phillips was acquired by the Orioles last July for minor leaguer Nick Green and pitched to an ERA of 1.13 in ten games last year. The 25-year-old had no record with an ERA of 4.15 and three saves this year for Norfolk. Over 13 innings he allowed 15 hits with five walks, 11 strikeouts and a 1.70 ground-to-air out ratio. "I'm a little bit surprised (I'm here), but happy at the same time," he said this afternoon in the O's clubhouse. "I just got here, said hi to Buck, told him I was here and he said we'll talk later. That was it. I was surprised, but I'm very excited also." He felt he was throwing well for the Tides. "It's been good. The team's starting to come along good, good guys, it was fun. Down there, they have a great bullpen. It's pretty much a good team in general. But it's great to be around those guys. It makes you better," he said. Now Phillips is back with the team after just missing out on making the club right before Opening Day. "They had a tough choice to make and so be it. I'm glad to be back and hopefully I'll stay and help the team win," Phillips said.