The Baltimore Orioles made a bullpen change Friday after losing their fourth straight game. The club recalled right-handed reliever Anthony Nunez from Triple-A Norfolk and designated veteran swingman Albert Suárez for assignment.
The move comes after Baltimore’s bullpen was heavily used during Thursday’s 6-1 loss to the New York Yankees. Suárez worked two innings and threw 36 pitches in the defeat.
Nunez returns to Baltimore after spending the last few weeks with Norfolk. The 24-year-old right-hander made the Orioles’ Opening Day roster and has also recorded three saves this season.
The Orioles are looking for a fresh arm as they try to end their losing streak. Baltimore entered Friday with a 61-67 record, sitting 15.5 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League East.
The roster adjustment gives manager Craig Albernaz another relief option while the Orioles navigate the final weeks of the regular season.
Suárez’s departure marks another change in a difficult season for the veteran. Before being designated for assignment, he had worked 55 innings across 25 games out of the bullpen.
Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
Nunez, meanwhile, has made 40 relief appearances for Baltimore this season. He has posted a 4.60 ERA with three saves and 46 strikeouts over 45 innings.
The Orioles will now turn to their revamped bullpen as they attempt to stop their slide. With the postseason race tightening, the club will need more reliable innings from its relief corps down the stretch.
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