Orioles recalling four players, FanFest scheduled for Dec. 12 (updated)

The Orioles' expanded roster will include four more players from Triple-A Norfolk.

Officials confirmed today that the club will recall pitchers Tyler Wilson and Oliver Drake, first baseman Christian Walker and outfielder Junior Lake.

The Tides lost Game 5 of the International League semifinals last night to Columbus, ending their season and freeing the Orioles to bring up reinforcements.

Wilson hasn't pitched in five days, making him available to the Orioles right away. He was 5-5 with a 3.24 ERA in 17 starts with Norfolk and 2-1 with a 2.19 ERA in six games (two starts) with the Orioles.

Drake was 1-2 with a 0.82 ERA and 23 saves in 42 appearances at Norfolk, allowing four earned runs and 23 hits in 44 innings with 16 walks and 66 strikeouts. He's allowed five runs and 11 hits in eight appearances with the Orioles, including seven walks and 10 strikeouts in 10 2/3 innings.

Walker batted .257/.324/.423 with 33 doubles, 18 home runs and 74 RBIs in 138 games with the Tides. He went 1-for-2 with a walk in his only game with the Orioles this season and was 3-for-18 with a double and home run last season.

Lake, acquired from the Cubs for reliever Tommy Hunter at the non-waiver trade deadline, batted .300/.410/.360 with three doubles and five RBIs in 15 games with Norfolk. He went 3-for-18 with three doubles in five games with the Orioles.

The Orioles now have 34 players on their active roster, plus pitcher Miguel Gonzalez on the 15-day disabled list.

The Virginian-Pilot first reported today's roster moves.

Also, the Orioles will hold their annual FanFest on Dec. 12 at the Convention Center - much earlier than in previous years.

More details will be made available at a later date, but you can start making plans.

Update: The Orioles are sending outfielder Henry Urrutia, infielder Rey Navarro and catcher Audry Perez to Sarasota and placing them on a taxi squad to keep them ready in case they're needed later.