Hunter and Avery optioned; Chavez and Gonzalez join team

The Orioles made two more roster moves today, optioning pitcher Tommy Hunter and rookie outfielder Xavier Avery to Triple-A Norfolk, reinstating outfielder Endy Chavez from the disabled list and purchasing pitcher Miguel Gonzalez's contract from Norfolk. Hunter didn't record an out in the fourth inning last night against the Blue Jays, allowing six runs (five earned) and nine hits in a 6-2 loss. He's 2-3 with a 5.59 ERA in 10 starts. This is the second time that Hunter has been optioned this season, though he didn't report to Norfolk previously because he replaced an injured player. Avery made his major league debut on May 13 and batted .217/.299/.317 with four doubles, one triple, four RBIs, nine runs scored, four stolen bases, seven walks and 14 strikeouts in 15 games with the Orioles. He batted .273/.373/.469 with five home runs and 16 RBIs in 33 games for the Tides earlier this season. Avery is in a 3-for-30 slump that included three strikeouts in three at-bats last night. Chavez was placed on the disabled list retroactive to May 9 with a strained left oblique. He's batting .133/.175/.167 in 20 games this season. Chavez, who began the season as the Orioles' fourth outfielder, appeared in three rehab games with Double-A Bowie, going 3-for-10 with two walks and three runs scored. He's not in tonight's lineup. Gonzalez went 2-1 with one save and a 1.50 ERA in 11 games and 30 innings with Norfolk, including three starts. He walked five and struck out 36. Gonzalez allowed 15 baserunners - 10 hits and five walks - and one home run while holding opponents to a .100 average. The Orioles signed Gonzalez as a minor league free agent on February 28. He spent 2011 in the Red Sox's organization, pitching in Triple-A, Double-A and Single-A, and entered 2012 with an 18-22 record and 3.92 ERA in five minor league seasons. He missed the 2008 and 2009 seasons with injuries. The Orioles' 40-man roster had an opening, which Gonzalez will fill.