Orioles Unload Plethora of Roster Moves Before Saturday's Game

Since the report earlier in the week that the starter in Saturday's game would be Jair Jurrjens, we all knew the Dan Duquette roster merry-go-round would soon be spinning again. After last night's game, he had so much fun that he decided to spin it twice.

First up, Jurrjens, whose contract is being purchased from AAA Norfolk. Being as he was on a minor-league deal, he was not on the 40-man roster. That space is being cleared for him by moving Brian Roberts to the 60-day disabled list, which should not come to the surprise of anyone. There also must be a 25-man roster move. Congratulations, Alex Burnett: you were awful last night and are of no further use to this team at this time. Count yourself lucky Roberts could be transferred so you don't have to get sent to the great DFA in the sky.

The surprise move is that Nolan Reimold has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with a right hamstring strain. Reimold last played on Saturday, meaning the movie is retroactive to Sunday and he will be eligible to return from the DL on the 28th. Does Nolan actually have a right hamstring strain? Be honest with me, reader: do you actually care? Even Stacey and I, with our grand Nolan Reimold movie project, have had about enough of Reimold. We all might give in to that optimistic delusion that maybe he's been bad this year because he was hurt, it's true.

The unfortunate thing about Nolan is he's always getting hurt, and even when he's not hurt, sometimes he's not good. Nolan's .188/.257/.327 is a big reason why Orioles designated hitters are the worst in the American League. I'm about ready to give up on him.

With Reimold on the disabled list, there's another spot on the roster open, and with Burnett optioned, there is need for a sacrificial bullpen lamb. Hello, Jake Arrieta. Welcome back to the major leagues. Did your latest minor league excursion teach you to throw some freaking strikes? By Jove, it may well have: Arrieta had only three walks in 19.2 IP, with 17 strikeouts and a sub-1.00 WHIP. Yes, I know, small sample size, possible AAAA material. Arrieta was supposed to start today's game for Norfolk, but who cares? Duquette sure doesn't, and you shouldn't either.

Arrieta missed his last scheduled start with tenderness in his throwing shoulder, but it seems he's better now. He'll be there in case Jurrjens stumbles, and even if he doesn't, will be around for needed innings until Duquette decides he'd rather have someone else serving in that capacity. A quick scan of the desolation that is the 40-man roster suggests that Arrieta is the best option to do this, and maybe this will be the time he's finally figured it all out. Whether or not he's figured it out, he may find himself getting another shot if, for instance, Freddy Garcia's presence in the rotation proves to be untenable.

So there you have it. These are the moves and this is your Orioles roster ... for now.