The Baltimore Orioles have placed reliever Jason Garcia on the 15-day disabled list with shoulder inflammation. Garcia, a Rule 5 draft pick from the Red Sox organization, last pitched on May 10th against the Yankees. The move to the disabled list is retroactive to May 11th and Garcia will be eligible to come off the DL on May 26th.
Garcia, 22, hadn’t pitched above Class-A prior to this season. The Orioles selected him in December’s Rule 5 draft and seem intent on keeping the young fire-baller in the organization. Garcia has exhibited the predictable struggles of a young pitcher without the benefit of Double-A and Triple-A development time. Garcia needs innings and he won’t find many in the back end of the O’s bullpen. In 8 games with Baltimore, Garcia has posted a 5.93 ERA, walked 11 batters in just 13 2/3 innings and allowed three home runs. The Orioles will likely use all 15 days before sending Garcia on an extended rehab assignment. At that point the O’s must decide if Garcia warrants a big league roster spot or if he should be offered back to Boston.
Garcia’s downfall opens up an opportunity for Mike Wright, another young right-hander with a big fastball. Wright has been a starter throughout his professional career but figures to augment Buck Showalter’s middle relief corps for at least the next few weeks. Wright possesses a high-90s fastball and an effective sinker. After posting a 2.64 ERA and 1.11 WHIP in six Triple-A starts this season Wright offers promise as both a starter or power bullpen arm. Watch out Tommy Hunter and Bud Norris, Mike Wright may soon take one of your jobs.
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