Orioles call up Odrisamer Despaigne from Norfolk

Odrisamer Despaigne, acquired from the Padres in February, is on his way to join the Orioles from Norfolk. Tides beat writer David Hall reported that Despaigne left Norfolk for Boston during Monday’s Tides game.

The 29-year-old Despaigne last pitched on Wednesday, so he’ll be rested for whatever it is the Orioles want him to do. The corresponding roster move for Despaigne is Vance Worley going to the disabled list, and Despaigne is listed with the available relievers on the lineup card, so that would seem to hint at a long relief role, at least initially.

Worley is headed to the disabled list with what the Orioles are calling a right groin strain. He last pitched on Sunday, making the move retroactive to yesterday.

Despaigne, acquired for minor leaguer Jean Cosme, has been exclusively a starter for Norfolk this year, and was in the Padres rotation for most of his big league time the past two seasons.

For a while on Tuesday afternoon, the only thing known was that Despaigne was in Boston with the Orioles, leading to speculation about someone like Tyler Wilson or Mike Wright getting optioned, or Ubaldo Jimenez getting designated for assignment. However, it turns out to be a much more simple solution than that. Long reliever out, long reliever in.

Will Despaigne even stick around for long? Jimenez’s turn in the rotation comes up again on Saturday, but every indication has been that the O’s will activate Yovani Gallardo from the disabled list to make that start.

They’ll have to make a move then, but Dan Duquette doesn't have to worry about that for a few more days, so you can be sure that he will not. You never know what will happen in several days time. No one knew Worley was hurt before today.

Despaigne struggled to begin his season with Norfolk, but in his last eight starts he's lowered his ERA from 6.63 to 3.59. That’s a big improvement for him, though if you look at his 1.40 WHIP on the season that probably still gives you pause.

Stay tuned for more about that. For now, start whistling The Farmer in the Dell, because O(drisa)mer comin’, yo.