O's call up Eshelman, scratch Bundy, acquire Wojciechowski

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The Orioles are ready to name their starting pitcher for tonight's game against the Rays.

Tom Eshelman had his contract selected today and is going to open the series at Tropicana Field in his major league debut.

He's also going to become the 45th player used by the Orioles this season.

In order to make room for Eshelman on the 40-man roster, the Orioles have moved left-hander Josh Rogers to the 60-day injured list. They optioned left-hander Tanner Scott to Norfolk following yesterday's game to clear a spot on the 25-man roster.

Rogers is expected to undergo Tommy John surgery this week, perhaps as early as Wednesday.

Executive vice president and general manager Mike Elias was the Astros director of amateur scouting when they selected Eshelman in the second round of the 2015 draft out of Cal State-Fullerton. Elias acquired Eshelman from the Phillies on June 10 in exchange for international signing bonus slots.

The Orioles don't know exactly what they'll get from Eshelman, 25, beyond a fresh arm. He hasn't pitched since last Monday against Gwinnett, when he allowed five runs and seven hits 5 2/3 innings. He's made three starts with Norfolk and surrendered nine earned runs (10 total) and 18 hits with six walks and 11 strikeouts over 20 innings.

In 91 minor league games, Eshelman has gone 26-29 with a 4.17 ERA and 1.34 WHIP in 496 innings. He's been used only once in relief.

Eshelman is wearing No. 32.

The Orioles could have started Jimmy Yacabonis again tonight and gone with a bullpen game, but manager Brandon Hyde is trying to get more length from the first pitcher to take the ball. Luis Ortiz is starting tonight at Norfolk and continues to struggle.

Eshelman was scratched yesterday as the Tides' starter and has joined the Orioles, who will attempt to win back-to-back series for the first time since opening the season by taking two of three in New York and Toronto.

The Rays are using Ryne Stanek again tonight as their opener, with Ryan Yarbrough following him and consuming most of the innings if the plan works. They've also confirmed All-Star Charlie Morton for Tuesday.

The Orioles no longer are listing Dylan Bundy for Tuesday, with the spot TBD. All-Star John Means starts Wednesday before the team heads to Toronto to close out the first half.

Also, the Oriole reacquired pitcher Asher Wojciechowski from the Indians for cash considerations and assigned him to Norfolk.

If the name sounds familiar, and hard to spell, he made 12 starts among 19 appearances with Norfolk last summer and went 5-4 with a 3.51 ERA and 1.18 WHIP in 84 2/3 innings. He struck out 89 batters.

Wojciechowski was released on July 18 and joined Triple-A Charlotte a week later. The Indian signed him to a minor league deal on Feb. 14 and he was 8-2 with a 3.61 ERA and 1.16 WHIP this year in 15 start with Triple-A Columbus. His average-against was .217.

Note: The Orioles and Orioles Advocates will host a luncheon to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the 1989 "Why Not?" team on Friday, Aug. 9 at inside the warehouse at Camden Yards.

More than a dozen players have confirmed that they're attending the event and others are expected to appear. The list so far includes Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr., Jeff Ballard, Phil Bradley, Rene Gonzalez, Tim Hulett, Dave Johnson, Bob Milacki, Gregg Olson, Joe Orsulak, Jamie Quirk, Dave Schmidt, Larry Sheets, Mike Smith, Mark Williamson and Craig Worthington.

For more information, check www.orioles.com/community.

Tickets for the luncheon are $90, with a limited number of VIP tickets to the luncheon available for $135, which includes a pre-luncheon reception and photo with returning members of the 1989 team. Tables of 10 are also available. Tickets may be purchased by contacting Ann Serio of the Oriole Advocates at 410-247-2703 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Orioles will hold a special ceremony prior to the 7:05 p.m. game against the Astros and the first 20,000 fans 15 and over will receive a "Why Not" T-shirt. The Orioles will wear throwback jerseys and caps.