GettyImages-1417938065.jpg

Nick Vespi is back in the majors.

The Orioles recalled Vespi this morning from Triple-A Norfolk and optioned Cole Irvin in a swap of left-handed relievers.

Irvin was removed from the rotation to create a spot for John Means. He tossed two scoreless innings last night and threw 32 pitches, pushing back his availability with the second-place Rays coming to town Thursday to begin a crucial four-game series.

This is Irvin’s third time being optioned this season. Vespi is a real pro.

The Orioles optioned Vespi for a fourth time on Aug. 24. He can be sent down one more time without the Orioles having to expose him to waivers.

Irvin made three relief appearances after his last start in Arizona and didn’t surrender an earned run in 5 2/3 innings. The Red Sox scored three unearned runs on Sunday.

Vespi has a 4.30 ERA in nine games with the Orioles totaling 14 2/3 innings. He’s appeared in 34 games with Norfolk and registered a 2.45 ERA in 36 2/3 innings.

The Orioles’ magic number for a playoff berth remains at four as they finish their series against the Cardinals with Kyle Gibson on the mound. The magic number to clinch the division is 15.

Gibson’s 14 victories are tied for most in the American League. He has 15 quality starts.

The veteran right-hander has registered a 4.76 ERA and 1.118 WHIP in three career starts against the Cardinals, with nine runs allowed in 17 innings.

Austin Hays set career highs last night in hits (135) and doubles (36).

Gunnar Henderson needs two more runs scored to reach 90 and tie Cal Ripken Jr.’s record for most by an Orioles rookie.

Adley Rutschman has 19 multi-walk games, the most by an Orioles batter since Nick Markakis in 2008.

Anthony Santander’s 64 extra-base hits are nine shy of Brian Robert’s club record for a switch-hitter.

The Orioles are trying to claim their 31st series and build on their three-game lead over the Rays in the division race. Tampa Bay plays this afternoon.

The Cardinals are starting former Orioles left-hander Drew Rom, who’s 0-2 with a 7.79 ERA and 2.019 WHIP in 17 1/3 innings.

The Rays are starting Aaron Civale, Zach Eflin, Tyler Glasnow and Zack Littell in the four-game series at Camden Yards. The Orioles are starting Kyle Bradish, Jack Flaherty, Grayson Rodriguez and Dean Kremer.