The Baltimore Orioles made four roster moves Friday, most notably recalling pitcher Brian Mautsz, who will work as a reliever for the team.
Matusz, who is 5-10 with a 5.42 ERA and 1.71 WHIP in 16 starts for the Orioles this year, was sent down to Triple-A on July 1. He was moved to the minor-league bullpen ten days ago in preparation for his role in Baltimore.
The Orioles also activated utilityman Ryan Flaherty from the disabled list Friday, starting him at second base in Friday night's game. Flaherty has hit .205/.242/.308 in 128 plate apperances with the Orioles this season.
To balance those moves, the Orioles have optioned pitcher Tommy Hunter to Double-A and designated pitcher J.C. Romero for assignment.
Hunter is 4-8 with a 5.95 ERA and 1.44 in 23 appearances (20 starts) this year. He allowed eight earned runs in three innings against the Rangers on Aug. 22, equal to the most runs he's allowed in any start this year.
Romero, who was acquired from the Indians earlier this month, allowed three earned runs in four innings of work for the Orioles. Romero pitched eight innings for the Cardinals earlier this season, allowing nine earned runs. He has a 9.00 ERA and 2.00 WHIP in 2012.
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