Lefty reliever Matt Krook talks about joining the Orioles

As Orioles ace pitcher right-hander Corbin Burnes (9-3, 2.28 ERA) went on the paternity list today, it opened an opportunity for Triple-A lefty reliever Matt Krook to join the team.

Manager Brandon Hyde said Burnes will rejoin the team for Tuesday’s game at Seattle and then they will map out his next start. Today Krook was called from Norfolk to take his roster spot. A player can be on the paternity list for up to three games.

For now, Krook arrives for the first time on the O’s roster. At 29, Krook has spent a lot of time in the minors since being drafted in round four in 2016 by San Francisco.

His first chance at the majors came in four games for the Yankees in 2023 and he allowed 11 runs over four innings, pitching in games in June, July and September.

He was designated for assignment by New York on Feb. 13 of this year and traded five days later to Baltimore for cash considerations. This year at Triple-A Norfolk, he has gone 2-2 with a 3.71 ERA in 26 games over 26 2/3 innings with 17 walks, 31 strikeouts, a .200 average against and 1.35 WHIP.

“It is always exciting whenever you get the call. So super excited for the opportunity,” he said this afternoon.

“I’ve had some really good moments and some stuff I wish I would have done better. But so far, it’s been a good year. I think every time you come up, you want to prove you can pitch here and play here. So that is what I’m hoping to do.”

Krook pitched in four games for the Orioles this spring, allowing one run over four innings.

“Kind of an unsual-look lefty reliever,” said Hyde. “Saw him quite a bit in spring with us. Pitching fairly well in Norfolk. Had some really good appearances and a couple that kind of impacted his numbers, but for the most part he’s been really good at Triple-A. Allows us to get an extra left-hander here in the bullpen. Can match up with some guys and hopefully gives us a little lift.”

Krook was asked about his time thus far as an Oriole.

“It’s an awesome organization. They treat every one super well. Give us whatever we need to succeed, so it’s been great," he said.

The lefty is not a hard thrower and uses a lot of two-seam sinkers. In his last Triple-A game when he pitched a scoreless inning Wednesday, he threw nine two-seamers with an average velocity of 89.1 mph and added two sweepers.

“Lot of sinkers,” he said of how his pitching looks when it's going well. “Just kind of at the bottom of the zone is my goal and then throw the sweeper off that with an occasional changeup and cutter. Really just trying to attack the zone. Get some swing and miss when I need it."

His time last year in the bigs was brief, but could benefit him now.

“That is going to help me a lot this year," he said. "I think just learning everything that comes along with being a big leaguer. It is so much different than the minors. I think I can lean on that experience this year for sure."

Krook has spent his year so far watching some of baseball's top young players on that Norfolk squad.

“We have some of the best young talent I’ve seen in the minors and I’ve been in the minor leagues for awhile. It is really fun to watch them play every day. Some unbelievable players," said Krook.