Baltimore Orioles: With Zimmermann out, who takes his place?

This option seemed more likely after Zimmermann was initially sent back down to Norfolk. In the corresponding move, the Orioles called up Michael Baumann to the big league club, and it seemed that Baumann was in line to make some starts.

However, Baumann was the odd man out when the Orioles had to get rid of one of their 14 pitchers per MLB rules that now only allows teams to carry 13 pitchers. Baumann has not made a start this season at any level and has struggled in Triple-A Norfolk with an ERA of 7.71 in 16 innings pitched.

With Baumann back in Norfolk and the Baltimore Orioles only allowed to carry 13 pitchers, if the Orioles were to call up Baumann once again, they would have to sacrifice a bullpen arm such as Austin Voth or Bryan Baker.

Despite the struggles in Triple-A, Baumann has been decent in his opportunities, with the big club pitching to a 4.50 ERA in 12 innings this season after struggling last year to a 9.90 ERA in 10 innings. Baumann pitched well on May 21 against the Rays as he pitched the final 3.2 innings for the Orioles and only allowed one earned run after Kyle Bradish struggled through 5.1 innings.