Orioles call up Parker Bridwell

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

August 21, 2016, 6:32am

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The Orioles have recalled right-hander Parker Bridwell from Triple-A Norfolk to replace Odrisamer Despaigne in the bullpen, the latest move designed to provide long relief behind the starting pitcher.

Bridwell will be making his major league debut with his first appearance.

The Orioles selected Bridwell, now 25, in the ninth round of the 2010 draft out of Hereford (Tx.) High School. He was 1-1 with a 4.53 ERA in 18 appearances (seven starts) with Double-A Bowie this season, and he allowed one run on one hit over three innings in his Triple-A Norfolk debut on Tuesday night. His season was interrupted by a stint on the disabled list with a broken rib sustained in May.

Bridwell is 30-43 with a 4.75 ERA in 138 minor league games. Mostly a starter in his professional career, he's been moved into a relief role since coming back from his injury.

Bridwell is a combined 4-2 with a 4.13 ERA in 24 games (seven starts) between the Gulf Coast League Orioles (three games), short-season Season A Aberdeen (two games), Bowie and Norfolk. He's been busy.

I'm now 2-for-2 in predicting roster moves the past two days, but don't get spoiled by it.

Because you care about uniform numbers, Bridwell will wear No. 68. The same digits as spring training.

The lineup should be arriving soon.