Orioles send Tommy Hunter to Norfolk, call up Jason Berken

Orioles right-hander Tommy Hunter, the starter in Sunday’s marathon in Boston, has been demoted to Triple-A Norfolk to make room for reliever Jason Berken.

The Orioles needed bullpen help after the 17-inning victory against the Red Sox on Sunday. Hunter lasted just 4 1/3 innings and gave up eight hits, one walk and five runs.

“Physically, I’m fine, but mentally …,” Hunter said moments after being told he was being demoted.

Hunter is 2-1 with a 5.00 ERA in six starts. He has allowed nine home runs in 36 innings pitched.

“It’s upsetting, but you’ve got to pitch better. You have to pitch better in the big leagues,” Hunter said. “I’ve got to keep the ball down.”

Berken is up for the second time this year – he didn’t pitch in his first, two-day stint late last month when he was recalled when Robert Andino went on paternity leave. He last pitched two innings for Norfolk on Saturday.

Right-handed reliever Stu Pomeranz was brought in to Baltimore, but has yet to be activated. Catcher Luis Exposito was a possibility to be sent down, but he is in the starting lineup Monday against Texas. Catcher Ronny Paulino is expected to be sent to Norfolk instead.

Matt Wieters caught all 17 innings Sunday.