Back again with team, Cole Irvin is ready to start tomorrow against Kansas City

With the Orioles now for the third time this year, lefty Cole Irvin will make his fourth O’s start tomorrow - his first in the big leagues since April 13 - when the Orioles host Kansas City on Saturday. 

He will, at least for one day, rejoin the rotation and, maybe if it goes well, stick around in the starting five. He began this year 0-2 with a 10.66 ERA in three starts before he was optioned to the minors April 14. He was back from May 16-21, but got into just one game, getting one out on just seven pitches for the Orioles.

But after going 6-1 with a 3.21 ERA in seven starts for Triple-A Norfolk, Irvin is back on the mound tomorrow afternoon for the Orioles.

“I’m ready, I’m prepared,” he said in the clubhouse this afternoon. “I’ve fixed some things I needed to fix. Eliminated some walks, so now it’s just about getting out there tomorrow and putting in a good effort to get a win for this ballclub.”

With the Tides he pitched 42 innings, striking out 22 while allowing just four walks and 1.048 WHIP. In those first three starts with Baltimore he walked eight in 12 2/3 innings.

“To be honest, it was just getting back to my strong suits,” Irvin said. “Throwing my sinker, throwing my changeup, which I wasn’t doing much of while I was here. So, felt really good last time I was called up. Just only got one out. That’s part of our game when you have options. Part of my job is to be a pro and continue working, no matter what level you are at. The expectation is when your number is called, take the ball and be ready to go.

“I understand this is part of the process. Been around long enough to know multiple sides of this game. The business side of this game and you can’t take it personal (if sent to the minors). It’s part of the job. And part of the reason you want to be a big leaguer. So this is part of my path. You have to embrace it and keep working."

And he has stay ready for any role at any time.

“If they ask me to be a reliever, I’ll be a reliever," Irvin said. "I’ll do that job to the best of my abilities. If they ask me to start, I’m going to start. You can’t take it personal, you just have to get the job done. I’ve reflected on why I wasn’t getting the job done and I feel like I’ve adjusted those. Now my job is to take the ball tomorrow and give a good effort and get as deep in that game as I can.”

On the farm, Irvin got a close look at that Norfolk team that is 41-17, playing .707 baseball.

“I really think that Baltimore fans have a lot to be excited about," he said. "It’s really cool to watch and see just how much talent there is in this organization, from the pitching and offensive side. It’s an exciting time to be an Orioles fan. What a great time to be here."