Vespi joining Orioles at Camden Yards (updated with list of moves)

The Orioles were short one reliever yesterday at Citi Field and apparently are making a move to correct it.

Left-hander Nick Vespi is joining the Orioles today, per sources. And there could be more roster changes coming after yesterday’s waiver claim of infielder Emmanuel Rivera.

Vespi made the Opening Day roster with Jacob Webb on the paternity list. He was optioned two days later, recalled May 22 as the 27^th man in St. Louis and immediately returned to Triple-A Norfolk, recalled May 24 when Dean Kremer went on the injured list with a triceps strain, optioned three days later, recalled June 3 and optioned three days later when the Orioles selected Cade Povich’s contract, was recalled June 15 when Kyle Bradish went on the IL with a sprained ulnar collateral ligament, and was optioned again July 3 when Kremer was reinstated.

Teams can’t option a player more than five times in a season without going through the waiver process. Sending him down after the 27th-man designation doesn’t count against the total.

Vespi has appeared in 10 games and allowed four runs and 10 hits in 11 1/3 innings. Three runs were surrendered over 1 1/3 innings in his last major league outing on June 30 against the Rangers.

A recent rough stretch with Norfolk increased Vespi’s ERA to 7.71 and WHIP to 2.116 in 37 1/3 innings. He’s allowed 18 runs this month in 4 2/3 innings.

Keegan Akin went on the paternity list Tuesday and can’t miss more than three games. His pending return could send Vespi back to Norfolk.

Today’s corresponding move for Vespi is unclear. Cole Irvin had his contract selected yesterday and threw 83 pitches in 4 1/3 innings, likely making him unavailable for the next four days. He’s out of options and would have to be designated for assignment for a second time.

Another possibility is an undisclosed injury, which seems to happen with disturbing regularity.

The Orioles haven’t announced Sunday’s starter against the Astros. Trevor Rogers, who has three options, is lined up for it and he’s the only candidate on the active roster.

Corbin Burnes starts tonight, Povich on Friday and Albert Suárez on Sunday. The Orioles are off Monday.

Rivera, who’s out of options, is expected to report today. Infielder Liván Soto could be sent down again to make room. He hasn’t appeared in a game this season, staying on the bench at Citi Field with the Mets starting three left-handers. He replaced Coby Mayo on the roster last week.

Update: The Orioles announced Vespi, Rivera and a whole lot more.

Rogers, Soto and Colin Selby were optioned to Norfolk. Right-hander Matt Bowman, who had an upward mobility clause in his contract for today's date, had his contract selected. And Baltimore native Bruce Zimmermann was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster.

Rivera is wearing No. 26 and Bowman No. 51.

Rogers made four starts after coming to the Orioles in the Marlins trade and allowed 15 earned runs and 16 total with 25 hits and 10 walks in 19 innings.

Bowman, on his fourth team this season, tossed three scoreless innings with six strikeouts in two relief appearances with Norfolk.

The Astros are starting right-hander Spencer Arrighetti tonight, right-hander Hunter Brown Friday, left-hander Framber Valdez Saturday and left-hander Yusei Kikuchi Sunday. The Orioles still need a starter for Sunday.

Triple-A right-hander Brandon Young presents one possibility.