masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgThe Orioles have reinstated Rule 5 pick Jason Garcia from the 60-day disabled list and optioned reliever Mychal Givens to Double-A Bowie.
Garcia’s 30-day injury rehab assignment ended today, and the Orioles needed to create a spot for him in the bullpen. Givens and left-hander T.J. McFarland are the only relievers who have minor league options.
McFarland is valuable as a long man backing up the right-handed starters. Givens could eventually take McFarland’s spot, but for now he’s back at…

The Orioles have reinstated Rule 5 pick Jason Garcia from the 60-day disabled list and optioned reliever Mychal Givens to Double-A Bowie.

jason garcia profile close.jpgGarcia’s 30-day injury rehab assignment ended today, and the Orioles needed to create a spot for him in the bullpen. Givens and left-hander T.J. McFarland are the only relievers who have minor league options.

McFarland is valuable as a long man backing up the right-handed starters. Givens could eventually take McFarland’s spot, but for now he’s back at Bowie.

Garcia, 22, was placed on the 15-day disabled on May 13 with right shoulder tendinitis and transferred to the 60-day DL on June 20. He made nine appearances with Bowie, going 1-2 with a 4.20 ERA, nine walks and 14 strikeouts in 15 innings. His velocity, which dipped into the low 90s, increased as his assignment progressed.

In eight games with the Orioles this season, Garcia has posted a 5.93 ERA by allowing nine earned runs in 13 2/3 innings. He’s walked 11 batters, struck out eight and hit two.

Givens, 25, didn’t allow a run in three appearances with the Orioles and earned his first major league win on July 31 against the Tigers. He’s allowed one hit, walked none and struck out six in four innings.

Garcia must spend 90 days on the active roster to lose his Rule 5 status next season. The Orioles need to get through the rest of the month, and they can expand their roster in September and more easily choose non-pressure situations for him.

Update: Executive vice president Dan Duquette said the reports on Garcia state that the right-hander has a good fastball and slider.

“He just needs more experience,” Duquette said.

Also, there are no updates on pitcher Bud Norris and outfielder/first baseman Chris Parmelee, who were designated for assignment.

“We’re still working on their contract situations,” Duquette said.