Right-hander Aaron Brooks talks about joining the Orioles

Right-hander Aaron Brooks officially joined his new team today. It's not his first time this year at Camden Yards, but it's his first time in the home clubhouse.

On April 11, pitching for Oakland, he got the win in a start against the Orioles allowing three runs and three hits in six innings. He also faced them in relief throwing two scoreless on June 18 on the West Coast.

So he's faced the Orioles twice and now he is an Oriole, claimed on waivers Saturday from the Athletics.

"Excited. Always excited for a new opportunity. Coming over to help any team as much as I can to get wins," he said.

Brooks will be back on the Camden Yards mound starting Game 1 of the split doubleheader with Tampa Bay tomorrow. It will be a bullpen game for the Orioles as Brooks is not stetched out to go deep into that game. He hasn't thrown over three innings since May 11.

The 29-year-old Brooks went 2-3 with an ERA of 5.01 for Oakland. He made six starts in April and has been pitching out of the 'pen since. He had an ERA of 5.74 as a starter and 3.79 in relief.

"Sinker, slider. I'm a big sinker, slider guy and can get early contact and a lot of ground balls when it's on," he said. Good (so far this season). Always a learning experience for myself and always trying to get better. So, trying to stay on top of my game and learn as much as possible.

"I love any opportunity I can get. It was fun pitching here earlier this year. I do enjoy being over here on the other side of the field now. Excited to get it going."

Brooks was designated for assignment by Oakland July 3, claimed by the Orioles July 6 and officially added to the 25-man roster on July 9. He said he enjoys pitching as a starter and reliever.

"Definitely. I feel comfortable as a starter. I'm up for anything. Probably just the intensity (is different in relief). I learned that I can physically intensify everything a little bit easier than in having a starter's routine. Just being able to pitch when my name is called and prove to myself that I can do that," he said.