BALTIMORE (AP) -The Baltimore Orioles finally ran out of patience with rookie starter Radhames Liz, optioning the struggling left-hander to Triple-A Norfolk on Sunday and activating reliever Jamie Walker from the 15-day disabled list.
Liz was 4-3 with a 7.47 ERA in 10 starts. He gave up six runs in 5 2-3 innings against Los Angeles on Saturday night and missed the strike zone with 46 of 102 pitches.
“Liz needs to have better command. He needs to locate better,” Orioles manager Dave Trembley said. “In all sincerity, he’s thought of highly in the organization. He’s got a great arm, but he’s been scuffling. I’d rather see him get straightened out, get some success in Triple-A and get himself back here when he’s ready. He’s spinning his wheels right now.”
The news did not come as a surprise to Liz, who lasted six innings in only two of 10 starts.
“I think I didn’t use my mind enough maybe, because I’ve got the stuff to be here,” he said. “I think I’ve got to work on my control a little bit, my breaking pitch. I’m going to be OK. I know I’m going to be OK.”
Walker, who last pitched on June 25 against the Chicago Cubs, breezed through one inning of one-hit relief Saturday in a rehab assignment with Class A Frederick.
“It felt good. I actually got popups. The fastball was down, changeup had some good sink on it and I finally threw some good curves,” he said Sunday. “No pain today. I’m ready. It’s been over a month. Too long. Arm feels good, body feels good.”
He returns with a 1-0 record and a 4.98 ERA in 37 games.
“I’m just ready to contribute and help the team out, get on a roll and take this momentum to New York, Seattle and L.A.,” Walker said. “I’m glad it’s over with.”
Add A Comment