masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgAs predicted, the Orioles have optioned a pitcher to make room for Chris Parmelee, who is batting fifth and playing right field in tonight’s matchup against the Phillies.
It’s just not the pitcher we expected.
Left-hander Wei-Yin Chen has been optioned to Single-A Frederick. Chen is 3-4 with a 2.89 ERA over 13 starts this season. In his start yesterday, Chen went eight innings, scattering four hits and allowing no runs, while striking out nine.
Parmelee has batted .312/.381/.444 with 13…

As predicted, the Orioles have optioned a pitcher to make room for Chris Parmelee, who is batting fifth and playing right field in tonight’s matchup against the Phillies.

It’s just not the pitcher we expected.

chen-pitching-white-sidebar.jpgLeft-hander Wei-Yin Chen has been optioned to Single-A Frederick. Chen is 3-4 with a 2.89 ERA over 13 starts this season. In his start yesterday, Chen went eight innings, scattering four hits and allowing no runs, while striking out nine.

Parmelee has batted .312/.381/.444 with 13 doubles, six homers, 32 runs scored and 32 RBIs in 61 games with Triple-A Norfolk this season.

Manager Buck Showalter will offer an explanation shortly, so stay tuned.

Update: Yes, the Chen move looks strange on paper, but it will allow him to rest, and the lefty will miss only one start.

Before his last start, Chen had mentioned overall body fatigue, and Showalter wants to shorten him up as he’s done in the past.

The move will also allow Chen to skip facing the Blue Jays, who feast on left-handers.