Baltimore Orioles: Orioles Call Up Relief Pitcher Chandler Shepherd

 Another pitcher will get the chance to audition in the majors for the Baltimore Orioles as Chandler Shepard is on his way to San Diego to join the Orioles Tuesday evening.

The Norfolk shuttle must be running low on gas. Tuesday another pitching is hopping on board as the Baltimore Orioles announced that they have called up right-handed pitcher Chandler Shepherd and placed outfielder Dwight Smith Jr. on the 10-day injured list.

The 26-year-old Shepherd will make his major league debut whenever his number is called. His road to the majors hasn’t been an easy one.

He was drafted in the 13th round of the 2014 MLB Draft by the Boston Red Sox after three seasons in the South Eastern Conference (SEC) with the Kentucky Wildcats.

Shepherd remained with the Red Sox until May of 2019 where he was placed on waivers and picked up by the Cubs. After just four days as a Cub, Shepherd was again placed on waivers and was quickly picked up by the Orioles.

In nine outings that included seven starts at Triple-A Norfolk Shepherd posted a less than impressive 7.15 ERA and an 0-4 record. However, he does have a lot of upside. He was once named to the Baseball America Preseason NCAA Top-100 Players in 2014. In 2016 with the Red Sox Double-A affiliate in Portland, Maine he posted a 1.80 ERA and recorded seven saves. Finally, in 2018, he made 25 starts he posted a solid 3.83 ERA.

In a lost season, the Orioles are doing the right thing by giving several pitchers a chance to audition in the majors. Shepherd may not have the best minor league numbers this season, but his past success makes him worthy of a shot in the majors as the Orioles look to find arms they can hold onto for the future.