Kevin Gausman remembers his major league debut

Even though he is currently on the disabled list, Orioles right-hander Kevin Gausman is excited about today's game. He has played with Mike Wright, who makes his major league debut today, in both Double-A Bowie and Triple-A Norfolk.

Gausman remembers his first big league game very well. He said you try to make it just another game, but that is almost impossible to do.

Gausman's first game for the Orioles was in Toronto on May 23, 2013. He went five innings, allowing seven hits and four runs.

"Honestly, the moment I knew I was in the big leagues, think it was about the third or fourth inning. I threw a pickoff over to first and I got booed by everybody in the stadium. That was like, 'Wow, I'm in the big leagues. Thousands of guys booed me for a pickoff throw.'

"It was a blur in the fact that when it was over, I thought that went by quick. But I remember a lot from that game. (Edwin) Encarnacion was my first big league strikeout. (Colby) Rasmus was my first walk. Melky Cabrera was the first guy I gave up a hit to. He led off the game.

"I got to the park and had about 200 donuts in my locker that Adam Jones put there. I remember exactly what locker I was in in Toronto. We are all really excited to see the guy get a chance. I've played with him in Bowie and Norfolk. So excited for him today. When his command is on, he is tough to beat. His stuff is really good. It definitely plays up here."

Gausman, who is on the DL retroactive to May 7 with right shoulder tendinitis, said he expects to begin throwing again by playing catch on Tuesday. After that, he'll likely throw a few bullpen sessions and that could lead to him making a start for Triple-A Norfolk in about 10 days or so.

"I'm fine now," he said. "Been doing some strengthening exercises. I'm kind of mad at myself for missing any time at all. I think it was a smaller thing than what I thought. I'm good to go now and excited to start throwing."