Rapada joining Orioles in New York (O's lose 11-10)

The Orioles will make another roster move by purchasing Clay Rapada's contract from Triple-A Norfolk. Rapada will join the Orioles in New York, with Norfolk's season ending today with an 8-5 win over Durham. Rapada was 0-1 with a 3.92 ERA in 26 games with the Tides. He posted a 7.30 ERA in 22 games with the Orioles before being designated for assignment, but left-handed batters were 4-for-35 with 13 strikeouts against him. Right-handers batted .692. Manager Buck Showalter and president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail didn't believe that the Orioles could afford to carry a lefty specialist while their starters were being knocked out of games early. An expanded September roster eliminates that concern. The Orioles must clear room on the 40-man roster for Rapada. One option would be to transfer infielder Cesar Izturis to the 60-day disabled list, but there are no current plans to change his status. Update: Jim Johnson has surrendered Jesus Montero's first two major league home runs, and the Yankees have extended their lead to 11-8 in the eighth inning. Update II: The good news is Nick Markakis singled to drive in a run in the eighth inning. The bad news is he ran into an out at third base. He appeared to be safe, but it wasn't worth the risk with the Orioles trailing by two runs with one out. Update III: Ryan Adams singled off Yankees closer Mariano Rivera to score Mark Reynolds with two outs in the ninth. Pinch-hitter Nolan Reimold was hit by a pitch with the count full, but J.J. Hardy struck out in an 11-10 loss. Pinch-runner Matt Angle stole second as Rivera ran the count full to Reimold. The next pitch grazed Reimold, who took first base as the potential go-ahead run. Ten runs and 17 hits weren't enough today. Go figure. Jim Johnson allowed three runs and four hits in three innings - tying his longest outing of the season. He also went three innings Aug. 20 in Anaheim. Johnson has totaled seven innings in his last three appearances.