The Orioles recalled T.J. McFarland from Norfolk on Wednesday, giving them a long man as well as another lefty in the bullpen with Brian Matusz soon to be suspended. Oliver Drake was optioned.
T.J. McFarland disappeared from Norfolk on Wednesday. There was no ransom demand issued, probably because he was en route to Houston after being recalled by the Orioles. Right-hander Oliver Drake was optioned back to Norfolk to make room for McFarland on the roster.
The move makes sense for a couple of different reasons. As McFarland has been serving as a starter with the Tides, he can serve as the long man out of the O's bullpen, which is a role that has been unfilled up until now.