Orioles option Tate and select Smith's contract

An adjustment to the Orioles’ bullpen seemed inevitable.

The move came early this afternoon.

Dillon Tate was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk and right-handed reliever Burch Smith had his contract selected from the Tides.

Smith will wear No. 40. Tate will try to fix whatever’s wrong.

Tate has made three appearances this month and given up runs in each game – four over two innings against the Athletics and two over two innings in back-to-back outings against the Cubs. He surrendered 11 hits. His ERA has climbed from 3.38 to 4.59.

Going back a little further, Tate allowed a combined five runs and six hits in two innings in Houston and had back-to-back scoreless appearances totaling three innings to conclude the month of June. That’s 11 runs in nine innings.

The Orioles optioned Tate on April 29 because the bullpen lacked flexibility and he didn’t have to pass through waivers. They needed a spot for Cionel Pérez. The decision wasn’t based on performance, with Tate making 11 appearances and allowing four earned runs in 12 2/3 innings.

Everybody slumps and relievers aren’t an exception.

The Orioles signed Smith, 34, on June 28 after his release by the Marlins. He made 25 relief appearances with Miami this year and posted a 4.25 ERA and 1.618 WHIP in 29 2/3 innings.

The return to the majors was impressive after Smith pitched in Japan in 2022 and Korea in 2023.

Smith began his major league career with the Padres in 2013 and didn’t get back to the majors until 2018 with the Royals, who selected him in the Rule 5 draft. He made a combined 17 appearances with the Brewers and Giants in 2019 and 37 with the Athletics in 2020-21.

The total body of work amounts to a 5.79 ERA and 1.568 WHIP in 127 games. He’s made 13 starts but none since 2018.

Smith missed two years after undergoing Tommy John surgery and suffering an elbow fracture during his rehab.

Smith tossed two scoreless innings in his two appearances with Norfolk.

The 40-man roster is full, but the Orioles can make more space by transferring Kyle Bradish and Danny Columbe to the 60-day injured list.