Baumann on his return to the Orioles bullpen

An Oriole for the entire season until he was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk Aug. 23, right-hander Mike Baumann is back in the clubhouse and back on the active roster today.

He was recalled as righty Bryan Baker, who pitched three innings last night, was optioned back to the Tides.

Over six games since he was sent to Triple-A, Baumann has pitched six scoreless innings allowing just one hit. He has walked five and fanned nine with an .056 average against and a WHIP of 1.00 with Triple-A.

“Just worked on consistency,” said Baumann of his time on the farm. “Just kind of fine-tuning some things. Really just kind of getting a little reset. Focusing on attacking hitters and been feeling good about it.

“I knew there was good reason behind it (being sent to the minors). I’ve been in that situation before. Control what I can control and focus one day at a time.”

Now he returns during the biggest series of the year.

“Oh absolutely. Very excited to be here,” he said. “Been watching the games on TV and it just looks like an awesome crowd at Camden. Very excited to be a part of it.

“There is definitely a difference there,” he said of pitching at Triple-A. “At the end of the day it is focusing on getting outs again, being a bit more efficient and better in areas where I was kind of lacking. The main focus was to go and attack hitters.”

In 56 games with the Orioles, Baumann has gone 9-1 with a 3.82 ERA in 61 1/3 innings. He walked 31, fanned 59 and had a 1.32 WHIP.

He had allowed runs four times in seven games at the time he was optioned out with an ERA of 7.71 and an OPS against of 1.025 in that span from Aug. 8-Aug. 22.

“As a pitcher you work with what you have that day. You have to go 100 percent, 110 percent every time you get the ball. So, I’ll give everything I’ve got really.”

Baumann has pitched in three games this season versus Tampa Bay, allowing one hit and one run in 3 1/3 innings with five walks and two strikeouts. 

Baumann said his bullpen mates have held their own out there without closer Félix Bautista.

“Been super impressed. Everyone has been stepping up. It’s really great to see. There is a lot of talent in that bullpen and some big arms that have been stepping up," he said.