Josh Lucas outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk

The Orioles completed another round of roster business this morning, keeping a pitcher in their organization who could provide a fresh arm for their bullpen later in the summer.

He just needs to get back on the 40-man roster.

Right-hander Josh Lucas cleared waivers today and accepted an outright assignment to Triple-A Norfolk.

The Orioles optioned Lucas between games of Saturday's doubleheader to create room for Alex Cobb on the 25-man roster and designated him for assignment two days later. They needed a spot for utility player Stevie Wilkerson on the 40-man roster.

Lucas made three relief appearances before heading out and allowed two earned runs (three total) and four hits in 4 1/3 innings. He walked one batter and struck out four.

Given an invitation to spring training, Lucas stuck around until the March 21 round of cuts. He posted a 5.06 ERA in six games with three runs and four hits allowed in 5 1/3 innings. Lucas walked none and struck out six.

The Orioles selected Lucas' contract from Norfolk, where he tossed two scoreless innings, on April 11 while optioning Josh Rogers and placing Richard Bleier on the injured list with left shoulder tendinitis.

Executive vice president and general manager Mike Elias tapped into his Cardinals past in November by signing Lucas to a minor league deal. The Cardinals chose Lucas in the 21st round of the 2010 draft and he spent seven seasons in the organization, where Elias worked in the scouting department until joining the Astros in 2012.

Lucas appeared in five game with the Cardinals in 2017 and eight with the Athletics last summer, compiling a 5.40 ERA and 1.662 WHIP in 21 2/3 innings. He averaged 5.4 walks and 8.7 strikeouts per nine innings.