Norfolk pitchers
Jason Berken and
Miguel Socolovich have been chosen to participate in the 2012 Triple-A All-Star Game in Buffalo.
Berken, 28, is 1-1 with a 2.32 ERA in 14 starts. I'm not sure how he's managed only two decisions in 14 games, but I digress.
Berken's ERA ranks third in the league. He's allowed three earned runs or fewer in each of his starts while holding opponents to a .248 average.
Berken had a shot at breaking camp with the
Orioles as a long reliever, but a hamstring injury ruined his chances.
Socolovich, 25, is 3-0 with one save and a 1.59 ERA in 21 games. He's allowed 25 hits, walked 10 and struck out 44 in 39 2/3 innings, and opponents are batting .179 against him.
Socolovich hasn't given up more than one earned run in any outing this season.
The Orioles signed Socolovich as a minor league free agent over the winter, and he also sustained an injury during camp. He wasn't expected to make the team, however.
The 25th annual Triple-A All-Star Game will be played on July 11, with the International League facing the Pacific Coast League. It will air live on MLB Network.
I know what you're thinking. What about
Lew Ford? Guess he hasn't played in enough games. Or the International League is stocked with more qualified outfielders.