masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgThe Orioles are continuing to make roster moves today, and the latest one has a nice local flavor.

Besides needing to free up a spot on their 40-man roster for new backup catcher Chris Snyder, they also have summoned pitcher Zach Clark from Triple-A Norfolk. Clark is flying to Seattle today and could provide another arm in the bullpen.

The Orioles are expected to officially recall Clark, 29, later today, but will wait until his arrival.

Clark (UMBC) will be making his major league debut if…The Orioles are continuing to make roster moves today, and the latest one has a nice local flavor.

Besides needing to free up a spot on their 40-man roster for new backup catcher Chris Snyder, they also have summoned pitcher Zach Clark from Triple-A Norfolk. Clark is flying to Seattle today and could provide another arm in the bullpen.

The Orioles are expected to officially recall Clark, 29, later today, but will wait until his arrival.

Clark (UMBC) will be making his major league debut if he pitches in a game.

Clark is 1-2 with a 4.56 ERA in five starts, with 30 hits, seven walks and 20 strikeouts in 25 2/3 innings. He was listed among the Tides’ six starting pitchers yesterday – a group that also includes Steve Johnson, Freddy Garcia, Jair Jurrjens, Jake Arrieta and Josh Stinson – but he’s no longer in their rotation over the next five games.

The Orioles selected Clark’s contract and placed him on their 40-man roster on Oct. 31 after he went 15-7 with a 2.29 ERA in 28 games last season, including 20 at Double-A Bowie.

The Orioles could option last night’s starter, Zach Britton, to Norfolk and decide later on Saturday’s starter. Britton allowed six runs and 10 hits in six innings last night in a 6-2 loss to the Mariners.

Clark has been in the organization since 2006. The Orioles signed him as an undrafted free agent after he agreed to terms in UMBC’s parking lot, creating a nice local story that just added another chapter this morning.

Clark, who was signed by Dean Albany, is 50-46 with a 3.71 ERA in eight minor league seasons.

Here’s a link to Steve Melewski’s interview with Clark the day after the Orioles placed him on the 40-man roster.

Update: It doesn’t appear that the Orioles have immediate plans to option Britton today to make room for Clark. If that’s the case, is someone headed to the disabled list? Would the Orioles use a short bench?

As always, stay tuned.