masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgVeteran pitcher Freddy Garcia has decided to remain in the Orioles organization beyond his five starts at Triple-A Norfolk.

Garcia could have opted out of his contract after Sunday’s start, but he has agreed to stay through May 14.

Garcia is 4-0 with a 2.67 ERA in five starts, with two walks and 21 strikeouts in 33 2/3 innings. Earlier today, he was named the International League’s Pitcher of the Week after going 2-0 with a 1.69 ERA, no walks and nine strikeouts.

Executive vice president…Veteran pitcher Freddy Garcia has decided to remain in the Orioles organization beyond his five starts at Triple-A Norfolk.

Garcia could have opted out of his contract after Sunday’s start, but he has agreed to stay through May 14.

Garcia is 4-0 with a 2.67 ERA in five starts, with two walks and 21 strikeouts in 33 2/3 innings. Earlier today, he was named the International League’s Pitcher of the Week after going 2-0 with a 1.69 ERA, no walks and nine strikeouts.

Executive vice president Dan Duquette told me this morning that he would “revisit” Garcia’s contract situation. Duquette confirmed tonight that Garcia is staying in Norfolk.

It’s apparent that Garcia doesn’t have an offer from a major league team or he would have opted out of his minor league deal with the Orioles, which he agreed to on March 29.

The Orioles chose to recall Zach Britton on Thursday and give him tonight’s start in Seattle rather than select Garcia’s contract and free up a spot on the 40-man roster. They also called up Josh Stinson last Wednesday for one start before optioning him back to Norfolk.

Norfolk currently has a six-man rotation, including Steve Johnson, who’s on an injury-rehab assignment. Stinson, Jake Arrieta, Zach Clark and Jair Jurrjens are listed as the starters for the next four games.