masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgBOSTON – The Orioles are preparing to make a roster move this afternoon that influences their pitching staff. In what way will be revealed later.
Right-hander Odrisamer Despaigne left Triple-A Norfolk last night and joined the Orioles in Boston, according to sources. Whether he’s being inserted into the bullpen or rotation is unknown, but he’s no longer with the Tides, who were playing last night in Charlotte.
Despaigne is 1-6 with a 3.59 ERA in 12 starts with Norfolk. He’s allowed only two…

BOSTON – The Orioles are preparing to make a roster move this afternoon that influences their pitching staff. In what way will be revealed later.

Right-hander Odrisamer Despaigne left Triple-A Norfolk last night and joined the Orioles in Boston, according to sources. Whether he’s being inserted into the bullpen or rotation is unknown, but he’s no longer with the Tides, who were playing last night in Charlotte.

Despaigne is 1-6 with a 3.59 ERA in 12 starts with Norfolk. He’s allowed only two home runs in 62 2/3 innings.

Camden Yards daytime.jpgThe Orioles are reaching for the hot hand. Despaigne has posted a 1.63 ERA in his last five starts and has allowed only one earned run in his last two starts over 12 innings.

They’re also going for the fresh arm. Despaigne hasn’t pitched in six days.

Despaigne, 29, already is on the 40-man roster, sparing the Orioles a corresponding move. He began the season with three minor league options.

The Orioles acquired Despaigne from the Padres on Feb. 4 for minor league pitcher Jean Cosme.

Despaigne, a native of Havana, Cuba, is 9-16 with a 4.74 ERA in 50 major league games, including 34 starts, over the last two seasons. He was 5-9 with a 5.80 ERA in 34 games (18 starts) with the Padres last summer.

The Virginian-Pilot first reported that Despaigne was joining the Orioles.

Update: Odrisamer is in Boston, but he’s not assured of being put on the 25-man roster today. Stay tuned.