In an impressive bit of roster sleight-of-hand, Dan Duquette has found a way to add a reliever before the rosters expand on September 1 while not disrupting his starting rotation. Kevin Gausman has been recalled from Norfolk. He is expected to be used primarily out of the bullpen for the remainder of the season.
To make room for Gausman, Wei-Yin Chen has been optioned to the Gulf Coast League Orioles. Their season ends Friday. Because their season will be over then, Chen can be recalled on Sunday when rosters expand. He will most likely never actually leave the Orioles team and will probably make that Sunday start, his regular turn in the rotation.
This is essentially the same move the O's pulled with Ryan Flaherty yesterday. The difference is that Chen can be assigned to the GCL as a result of having no prior minor league time. Flaherty will have to wait a few more days for the season to end - and he actually has to report to the minor league teams.
Gausman has appeared in nine games for the O's this season, five of which were starts. He has a 6.21 ERA.