masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgAs soon as the Cardinals announced that left-hander Jaime Garcia would make tonight’s start for the Cardinals instead of right-hander Jake Westbrook, you knew that Nolan Reimold would crack the Orioles’ lineup for the first time since June 19.

It’s not like Reimold is being eased back into the competition. Not with Garcia on the mound.

“Well, like he said, it beats (Triple-A) Norfolk,” manager Buck Showalter said.

“First of all, there aren’t many left-handers in the big leagues who…As soon as the Cardinals announced that left-hander Jaime Garcia would make tonight’s start for the Cardinals instead of right-hander Jake Westbrook, you knew that Nolan Reimold would crack the Orioles‘ lineup for the first time since June 19.

It’s not like Reimold is being eased back into the competition. Not with Garcia on the mound.

“Well, like he said, it beats (Triple-A) Norfolk,” manager Buck Showalter said.

“First of all, there aren’t many left-handers in the big leagues who aren’t tougher than the things he faces down in Triple-A. It’s part of the job description up here. And we went through a period where we seemed to see a left-hander every night or every other night, so the same question could be asked of (Felix) Pie or Luke (Scott). That’s the equation. There’s actually some good things too, but the tough part of it outweighs that and I’m well aware of it.

“We like what Nolan can bring for us in that situation. That’s not to say that’s something he’s going to do the rest of his career. We think he has the ability to do both. But it’s funny how things work, even from my standpoint and yours, that absence makes the heart grow fonder sometimes. A guy isn’t playing, you compare it to what’s going on with that position and you always think it might be better. But he’ll get an opportunity tonight and continue to make us think good things, I hope. He was doing well his last week before we called him up, but he had some struggles down there for the most part until that last week.”

I referenced Jake Arrieta’s bullpen session yesterday. Here’s what Showalter said about it:

“Jake had a real good day yesterday. As Rick (Adair) said, about as good as he’s seen him throw.”

Triple-A Norfolk reliever Mark Worrell was chosen to the International League All-Star team for the July 13 game against the Pacific Coast League All-Stars in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Worrell’s 13 saves are tied for third in the International League. He’s posted a 2.84 ERA in 30 appearances, with eight walks and 25 strikeouts.