Gamboa moving up to Norfolk

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

July 08, 2013, 8:04am

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Eddie Gamboa, the knuckleball pitcher who recently threw a seven-inning no-hitter at Double-A Bowie, will make his next start for Triple-A Norfolk. Gamboa is scheduled to make his 2013 Tides debut Wednesday night at Gwinnett. Hall of Famer Phil Niekro, who's been working with Gamboa on his signature pitch, is expected to be in Gwinnett. Gamboa, 29, is 4-6 with a 3.64 ERA in 16 starts with Bowie. He's allowed 82 hits, walked 31 and struck out 79 in 99 innings. He allowed one hit over 14 1/3 scoreless innings in back-to-back starts on June 23 and 30. Gamboa made four appearances for Norfolk last season, including three starts, and allowed 13 runs in 16 2/3 innings. But he's become more comfortable with the knuckleball after extended sessions with Niekro, who's also teaching the pitch to Zach Clark (UMBC). The Tides rotation currently includes Freddy Garcia, Jair Jurrjens, Tsuyoshi Wada, Josh Stinson and Jake Pettit. Gamboa most likely will take Pettit's spot. Also, outfielder Steve Pearce continues to receive treatment on his left wrist in Sarasota. He still hasn't been cleared to begin baseball-related activities. The Orioles placed Pearce on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to June 20, with left wrist tendinitis.