The Baltimore Orioles announced on Thursday that they have selected the contract of newly signed right-hander Burch Smith from Triple-A Norfolk. Fellow righty Dillon Tate was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk in a corresponding move. Tate has made three appearances this month and given up runs in each game, surrendering 11 hits over that span. His ERA has climbed from 3.38 to 4.59. Going back a little further, Tate allowed a combined five runs and six hits in two innings in Houston before finishing the month of June with three back-to-back scoreless appearances.
We have made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/VdQbsfeMk9
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) July 11, 2024
Orioles Call Burch Smith Up from Triple-A Norfolk
Smith signed a minor league deal with the Orioles two weeks ago following his release by the Miami Marlins. The 34-year-old right-hander made 25 relief appearances for Miami, posting a 4.25 ERA in 29 ⅔ innings. Having pitched in Japan in 2022 and Korea in 2023, Smith’s return to the majors has been impressive. While in Miami, Smith had a 6.7% walk rate and kept the ball on the ground at a 47% clip.
Smith began his major league career with the San Diego Padres in 2013, before missing two years after undergoing Tommy John surgery. He returned to the majors in 2018 after the Kansas City Royals selected him in the Rule 5 draft. A former 11th-round pick, Smith has pitched in parts of six big league seasons between the Padres, Oakland Athletics, Royals, San Francisco Giants, Milwaukee Brewers, and Marlins. Over his major league career, he has a 5.79 ERA, 20.7% strikeout rate, and 9.6% walk rate. Primarily a reliever, Smith has made 13 career starts, but none since 2018.
Smith pitched a pair of shutout innings for the Tides before getting called back up to the majors. He will wear No. 40 for the Orioles and could be available out of the ‘pen for Baltimore’s series finale against the Chicago Cubs.
As for Tate, he will return to Norfolk to try to fix whatever’s wrong and break out of his slump.
Photo Credit: © Michael Laughlin-USA TODAY Sports
