Orioles call up T.J. McFarland, option Preston Guilmet

The Orioles announced about an hour before game time that they have recalled LHP T.J. McFarland from AAA Norfolk and optioned RHP Preston Guilmet. Guilmet was a bright spot in last night's game, pitching 2 1/3 perfect innings out of the bullpen. It was Guilmet's second stint with the O's; he made two appearances for the team May 12-13, also perfect.

The Orioles needed to call up a fresh arm for tonight after using five relief pitchers in the 13-inning game with the Indians. And remember they're just two days removed from Chris Tillman getting knocked out of the game with just one inning pitched. The bullpen has pitched a total of 13 1/3 innings in the last two days.

This will be third trip up from Norfolk this season, so it seems he is going to be that guy all year long.

It seems a shame that the Guilmet is being optioned when he's done nothing but good in the chances that the Orioles have given him, but that's the nature of being a pitcher with options. He and McFarland don't have to be exposed to waivers to be sent down.

There is a possibility that Guilmet could return as early as tomorrow, when the Orioles place Chris Davis on paternity leave. There normally has to be a 10-day wait between sending someone down and calling them up, but the MLB rules in this case are the same as when a player is being called up to replace an injured player.

I wouldn't call it anywhere close to a sure thing that he'll be recalled. That depends on how much work the bullpen has to put in tonight as well has how Manny Machado is feeling. Machado is currently day-to-day with a tight groin. If he's not up for playing tomorrow, we could see the return of Steve Lombardozzi until Davis gets back.