Bullpen

The Orioles added another left-handed reliever to their bullpen Monday, selecting the contract of Zach Phillips from Triple-A Norfolk before Monday's series opener in Toronto. Phillips was told before Sunday's Tides game that he was being recalled and arrived in Toronto on Sunday night. "I really didn't think about it," Phillips said. "If it was going to happen, it was going to happen. I can't control the outcome, but I'm just happy to be here. " To make room for Phillips, the Orioles designated Norfolk right-hander Jason Berken for assignment.

Right-hander Tommy Hunter , optioned to Double-A Bowie on Aug. 24, is expected to join the Orioles in Toronto on Monday and be activated before the team's afternoon series opener against the Blue Jays. Hunter threw a scoreless ninth inning for the Baysox on Saturday night, earning the save. Showalter, who said Hunter was clocked at 96 mph, said he will be used as a reliever for the stretch run with the Orioles. "Tommy's pitched some big games for us starting this year," Showalter said.

- The Orioles arrived at Yankee Stadium with a new left-hander in the bullpen on Friday, but not much more relief experience from the left side. It's something that could prove critical in playing left-handed heavy lineups like the Yankees through the season's playoff push. Don't, however, count Orioles manager Buck Showalter among those concerned about the lack of experience. Veteran left-hander Randy Wolf officially joined the team before Friday's game and was available in the bullpen, but Wolf has made just five relief appearances in his major league career.

Orioles manager Buck Showalter said he has liked what he has read in organizational reports about right-hander Jake Arrieta, who is 3-4 with a 4.91 ERA in eight starts at Triple-A Norfolk since being demoted in mid-July. Arrieta has allowed only two runs in each of his past two starts. "Good, he had a good outing last time out," Showalter said of Arrieta's recent performance. "He's getting real close to being in the form he needs to be to help. " Arrieta is expected to be a September call-up for the Orioles, but if the starters are pitching well, Showalter said Arrieta could be considered for a bullpen spot.

Orioles manager Buck Showalter's pregame press briefing unearthed one decent sized item and a couple other interesting things. Designated hitter Jim Thome, who has been rehabbing in Sarasota with a herniated disk in his neck, has been experiencing some weakness in his back and may need another epidural shot. He was hoping to be ready in early September. That would be in serious jeopardy if he has to get another shot. "Not a setback, he ... just feels some weakness in his lat (large back muscle)

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - The first and only time Chris Tillman had pitched at Rangers Ballpark back in July 2010, the Orioles right-hander turned in what might have been his signature performance as a major leaguer, taking a no-hit bid into the seventh against a club that eventually made it to the World Series that year. Tillman wasn't that unhittable Tuesday night, but he was plenty good enough as the Orioles picked up a 5-3 victory to set up a series rubber match with the Rangers tonight.

DETROIT -- The Orioles optioned first baseman Joe Mahoney to Triple-A Norfolk before Saturday's game to make room for left-hander Zach Britton, who was called up from Norfolk to start the game. The move left the Orioles with 13 pitchers and an eight-man bullpen. “[We] want to keep the pitching, want to make sure we have the covered,” manager Buck Showalter said before the game. “Hope we don't need somebody to play first base tonight.” Right-hander Steve Johnson (1-0, 2.70)

Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette said the organization's move to make Brian Matusz a reliever fills a temporary need and that the left-hander still has a promising future as a starter. “It's for now,” Duquette said. “It's to address a need we have in the big league club we've been trying to address.” Asked if he believes Matusz can still become a reliable major league starter, Duquette said, "Yes, I do. " Duquette said Matusz was told he's moving to the bullpen Tuesday by Triple-A Norfolk manager Ron Johnson, and he was receptive to the move.

The Orioles are considering moving left-handed starter Brian Matsuz - who was sent down to Triple-A Norfolk earlier this month - to the Tides' bullpen after lefty reliever Troy Patton landed on the disabled list Tuesday with a sprained right ankle. The front office had been considering the switch for several days, but Patton's injury made the need for a left-hander who is capable of throwing multiple innings out of the bullpen more pressing. "It's something Brian has talked about before as something he would welcome if it would help us and also help him get back up to the big leagues," Orioles manager Buck Showalter said.

The Orioles brass had discussed the possibility of moving left-hander Brian Matusz to the bullpen for several days, but after left-handed reliever Troy Patton went on the disabled list with a sprined right ankle , the organization is in need of a left-handed reliever who has the capability of throwing multiple innings. Orioles manager Buck Showater said before Tuesday's series opener against the Red Sox that the Orioles are moving toward experimenting with making the 25-year-old Matusz a reliever.