Orioles roster shake-up introduces fans to someone they’ve barely heard of

Orioles just made a roster move that will leave fans saying “who?”
Cleveland Guardians v Toronto Blue Jays
Cleveland Guardians v Toronto Blue Jays | Vaughn Ridley/GettyImages

After an eventful trade deadline, emptying their bullpen and trading any player who wasn't anchored down to the roster beyond this season, there likely was going to be a time in August and September when Baltimore Orioles fans weren't familiar with the names on the transaction wire. That certainly is one way to describe the Orioles' newest addition, left-handed relief pitcher Josh Walker.

The Orioles announced on Thursday that they have claimed Walker off waivers from the Philadelphia Phillies. The Orioles already had an open spot on their 40-man roster after designating Jordyn Adams for assignment earlier this season. Walker has minor-league options and has been assigned to Triple-A Norfolk.

The best way to describe Walker is that he is a journeyman southpaw with a limited sample size at the Major League level. Walker's last stop at the Major League level was with the Toronto Blue Jays earlier this season. In only five innings of work, Walker allowed 4 runs on 8 hits while striking out 8. Before the Blue Jays, Walker, an original farmhand of the New York Mets, had a handful of appearances at the Major League level with the Mets in 2023 and 2024.

Orioles latest roster decision has fans scrambling to learn about their new guy

Skimming through Walker's minor-league numbers, there have been times when he flashed the ability to miss bats at a high rate, including striking out over 31 percent of the hitters he faced while pitching with the Blue Jays Triple-A affiliate earlier this year. Still, it hasn't been consistent enough to warrant him getting any extended looks at the Major League level.

If nothing else, this is a depth move that will help the Orioles get to the end of the season. After moving several relief pitchers at the deadline, and Felix Bautista out for the rest of the season (and most of next season), the Orioles will need arms to get them to the end of the season. Walker checks that box, and if something clicks for him, he has the potential to be under control until 2031.

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