Jeremy Hellickson talks about joining the Orioles

In his first interview since being acquired from the Phillies, right-hander Jeremy Hellickson said he was surprised that the Orioles were the team that traded for him on Friday night.

"I was excited," he said of when he heard about the deal. "Didn't really hear Baltimore too much, so was kind of a little surprised. But just playing these guys for four years in Tampa, looked like a fun group to be a part of and I was excited.

"I'm ready to help. Didn't really follow the American League too much over there. So I got traded and looked at the standings and saw we're only five games back, 5 1/2 whatever. So still two months of baseball to play. I've been part of teams that came back from nine back in a month, so it's definitely doable. It is always fun to come back to and do things people say you can't do. Will be a fun two months."

Hellickson went 6-5 with a 4.73 ERA over 20 starts for Philadelphia. He last pitched July 22 versus Milwaukee when he gave up six runs over five innings. He will make his Orioles debut on Wednesday night against Kansas City, pitching on 10 days' rest.

He admitted he may have a few nerves.

"Yeah. I guess," he said. "I don't think nervous is the really the word, just some butterflies in my stomach when I actually got the call from Dan (Duquette). But you know, just hope I can help the team win Wednesday. That would make everything a lot easier. It is definitely different. The other two times I was traded was in the offseason, so you had a spring training to hang out with and get to know the guys, But I've been here for a few hours already and it's a great clubhouse with a lot of great guys."

Hellickson is 67-63 with an ERA of 3.98 in his career. In nine career starts at Oriole Park, eight as a starter, he is 3-2 with a 5.01 ERA and has given up nine homers over 46 2/3 innings. He was reminded by a reporter today that some pitchers don't like throwing in this ballpark.

"I'd have to agree with those guys," Hellickson said. "I never liked coming here. I think that had more to do with the offense I was going to face than the park. But definitely not a pitcher's park. But neither was Philadelphia or Arizona. Don't worry about that too much. But I would agree, I don't think a lot of guys like pitching here."

A free agent at the end of year, Hellickson was asked if he would consider signing with the Orioles beyond 2017.

"Yeah, I guess. Like I said, I've met a lot of the guys and it seems like an awesome place to be," he said. "You know, four years I was with Tampa, all they did was win here so it's kind of expected. So it will be fun to part of a team like that again.