Checking in with the newest Oriole and the challenge of facing Kluber

For the first time since May of 2013 when he was in the Cleveland organization, 27-year-old infielder Cord Phelps is back in the major leagues. When Manny Machado went on the disabled list Wednesday, Phelps was the choice of the Orioles to take his roster spot. "Anytime you get told you are going to the big leagues it is a pretty cool feeling, so I'm excited and happy to be here," Phelps said upon arriving at Camden Yards. The Orioles claimed him off waivers from Cleveland on Nov. 25. He had been in the Indians organization since they drafted him in the third round in 2008 out of Stanford. Phelps batted 258/.358/.380 with 23 extra-base hits and 49 RBIs in 97 games for the Triple-A Norfolk Tides. Phelps is a lifetime .280/.368/.431 hitter in seven minor league seasons. At the time of this callup, his bat had been pretty hot. In 34 Triple-A games since July 1, Phelps was batting .336 with a homer and 18 RBIs. He had an OBP of .470 in July, and it is .450 this month. "Yeah, I've been feeling good," Phelps said. "Found a pretty good rhythm. Was able to be focused and really compete every day." Phelps has played all four infield positions and both corner outfield positions this season. He made most of his Norfolk starts at second and third base. He has even been called on to pitch three times. That versatility surely was important and helped him get this callup. "I think so. I think over the last couple of years I've improved that part of my game," Phelps said. "In Norfolk I played seven positions. So, I can move around a bit and contribute that way for sure." Phelps pitched in one game in June and two in July for the Tides. He is not expecting any mound duty with the Orioles. "I obviously hope we never get in that situation," he said. "Because I'm just lobbing it in there hoping I don't get drilled back up the middle. Don't see that happening." As it turns out, Phelps second game with the Orioles with be against his first team. The Orioles begin their road trip at Cleveland tonight. "I did look at the schedule and noticed that is the first trip. That will be cool," Phelps said. "Hopefully get in there and take a few from those guys." The Orioles face quite a challenge on the mound tonight with Cleveland's Corey Kluber (13-6, 2.46 ERA). Kluber has allowed just one earned run in 31 1/3 innings over his last four starts. He is 3-0 with an ERA of 0.29 in that stretch. Kluber beat the Orioles on May 24 at Camden Yards when he pitched seven scoreless innings and allowed just five hits for the Tribe with two walks and nine strikeouts. The Orioles have been hitting the longball lately, bashing 14 homers in their last five games. But Kluber has allowed just 10 homers in 171 2/3 innings and he has not allowed one over his last five starts.