Orioles acquire pitcher Franderlin Romero from Reds

The Orioles weren't done making moves tonight with the Brian Matusz trade. They also acquired Single-A right-hander Franderlin Romero from the Reds for two international signing bonus slots.

Romero, 23, was 1-4 with a 2.87 ERA in eight starts with the Dayton Dragons. He walked nine batters and struck out 42 in 47 innings.

In seven minor league seasons, Romero is 15-25 with a 3.07 ERA in 78 games (62 starts). He allowed two hits in six scoreless innings in his last start.

The announcement comes shortly after the Orioles obtained right-hander Brandon Barker and left-hander Trevor Belicek from the Braves.

"With today's moves, we have added to the pitching depth of our organization," said executive vice president Dan Duquette. "The pitchers we have acquired today are very competitive and have very good instincts. They have excellent control, keep the ball in the ballpark and consistently keep the ball over the plate. Not only have we stocked the pitching in our farm system, but we also added three potential major leaguers.

"We'd like to thank Brian for his contributions to our team, both on the field and in the community."

The Orioles also confirmed the signing of left-hander Brian Duensing to a minor league deal, which I wrote about earlier today.

I also mentioned this evening that the Orioles needed another left-hander in the bullpen after trading Matusz, who subsequently was designated for assignment by the Braves. They'll announce a roster move before Tuesday night's game against the Astros at Minute Maid Park.

One source indicated that Double-A Bowie's Ashur Tolliver is expected to have his contract purchased. Tolliver 1-1 with a 2.42 ERA and two saves in 18 appearances, with seven earned runs and 22 hits in 26 innings. He's walked eight batters and struck out 25.

Tolliver, 28, hasn't pitched since working 1 2/3 innings on Friday. He's registered a 3.11 ERA in 155 games over eight minor league seasons.

Tolliver, a fifth-round pick in 2009 out of Oklahoma City, has never pitched above Double-A. He isn't on the 40-man roster, but the Orioles have two openings.

The Orioles have shown a willingness to call up players from Bowie, with reliever Mychal Givens a prime example. Also Manny Machado, but I'm focusing on relievers here.

T.J. McFarland would have been the obvious choice before injuring his left knee Friday night while covering home plate. He's returned to Triple-A Norfolk.

The Tides bullpen also includes left-handers Zach Phillips, Andy Oliver and Edgar Olmos. Oliver has been the best statistically, posting a 1.01 ERA in 11 games, including two starts, and striking out 27 batters in 26 2/3 innings.

Left-hander Wandy Rodriguez is pitching at extended spring training and his deal includes an opt-out next month. The Orioles aren't ready to make a decision on him.