masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgHe was optioned out to Triple-A Norfolk on the last day of spring training. But 24-year-old lefty Josh Rogers officially rejoined the Orioles today. He was recalled from the Tides and takes the roster spot of pitcher Alex Cobb, who went on the injured list Tuesday.
So it happened pretty fast and Rogers is back already.
“I didn’t really know (when I would come back),” he said this afternoon in the Orioles clubhouse. “I definitely wasn’t expecting it this early. I text Alex and Cash (Andrew…

He was optioned out to Triple-A Norfolk on the last day of spring training. But 24-year-old lefty Josh Rogers officially rejoined the Orioles today. He was recalled from the Tides and takes the roster spot of pitcher Alex Cobb, who went on the injured list Tuesday.

So it happened pretty fast and Rogers is back already.

“I didn’t really know (when I would come back),” he said this afternoon in the Orioles clubhouse. “I definitely wasn’t expecting it this early. I text Alex and Cash (Andrew Cashner) a couple of times a week and stay in contact with them. I’m excited to be back here for sure. I didn’t know when it was going to be, but was hoping it would happen sooner than later. Glad to be back, hoping I can make an impression.”

Acquired by the Orioles last July 24 with Cody Carroll and Dillon Tate from the Yankees in the trade for Zack Britton, Rogers had a solid spring in Florida. Over 17 innings, he pitched to an ERA of 4.24 in eight games with five walks and seven strikeouts.

Rogers-Debut-White-sidebar.jpgHe is well-rested after making his season debut on April 4 for Norfolk at Gwinnett in a game the Tides lost 3-1. That night, he went five innings, allowing seven hits and three runs with one walk and three strikeouts on 67 pitches, 45 of them strikes.

“It was good. I went five innings, gave up three runs,” Rogers said. “Gave up a couple of good hard-hit balls to the leadoff guy (outfielder Rafael Ortega). He was 3-for-3 off of me. Other than him, I thought I did fine. Just excited to be back here.”

Rogers was scheduled to pitch the opener of Norfolk’s doubleheader in Charlotte yesterday, but was scratched. He was later told to head for Baltimore. He could be the first man up in the bullpen tonight behind starter Dan Straily against Oakland.

“Yeah, I think I’ll be in the bullpen, so I’m ready to pitch whenever. I’m ready to go,” Rogers said.

All three of Rogers’ games with the Orioles last year came as a starter and so have 64 of his 69 games in the minors. But if needed in relief, he said he should be comfortable in that role.

“I think I’ll be fine with it. Doing it during spring training definitely helped,” Rogers said. “I had never been out of the bullpen before. But getting those outings in spring will benefit me today to get ready and give the team innings. Anything I can do, I’m willing to do and excited to do.”