Orioles put Zimmermann on injured list; Eshelman gets start; Sisco designated for assignment - BaltimoreBaseball.com
Rich Dubroff

Orioles put Zimmermann on injured list; Eshelman gets start; Sisco designated for assignment

BALTIMORE–Bruce Zimmermann, who was scheduled to start Friday night against Toronto, has been scratched and placed on the 10-day injured list because of left biceps tendinitis. Zimmermann is 4-4 with a 4.83 ERA in 12 games. The move is retroactive to Tuesday.

“He was just a little sore after his last start, which was just kind of normal soreness,” manager Brandon Hyde said. “He progressed well throughout the week and, when he played catch yesterday, he just felt it a little bit, so we’re just erring on the side of caution, giving it some time to rest the arm and bring him back in 10 days or two weeks.

“He is progressing, and he’ll be fine.”

Right-hander Thomas Eshelman, whose contract was selected from Triple-A Norfolk, will start against the Blue Jays as the Orioles try to end an eight-game losing streak.

Eshelman appeared in 22 games for the Orioles in 2019 and 2020, starting eight. He had a 4-3 record and 5.22 ERA. This season, Eshelman is 0-3 with a 6.41 ERA in six games with the Tides.

“Tom is somebody who’s been up and down here for the past couple of years,” Hyde said. “He’s had some good moments with us, and done a variety of things, from starting to being in the bullpen as a long guy. Tom has traditionally been a strike-thrower. He’s going to face an outstanding lineup, not an easy lineup to face.

“Hopefully, he can change speeds and give us some length as a starter tonight.”

To make room for Eshelman on the 40-man roster, the Orioles designated catcher Chance Sisco for assignment. Sisco was optioned to Norfolk when Austin Wynns was added to the roster on May 31st. In five seasons with the Orioles, Sisco hit .199 in 191 games. In 12 games with Norfolk, Sisco hit .205 with a home run and four RBIs.

“For whatever reason he came up in ’19. He was off to a good start in Triple-A,” Hyde said. “He hit pretty good right away with us. You saw the strike zone discipline. The swings were aggressive. He was driving the baseball. He hasn’t just gotten back there. The strike zone discipline has always been there, but really being on time and staying behind the ball. He’s just had a tough time adjusting at the big league level.

“We think highly of Chance. Chance is a great kid. I’m hoping it works out for him whatever way it goes.”

The Orioles have seven days to waive, trade or release the 26-year-old, who was the Orioles’ second-round selection in the 2013 draft. It seems likely the team will work out a trade for him or he could be claimed on waivers.

“I don’t think we want to lose players,” Hyde said. “If that happens, I’ll be happy for him. If he stays in our organization, I’ll be happy for us. I’m hoping [for] whatever’s best for him.”

Note: Bowie infielder Terrin Vavra is on the injured list because of a lower-back strain.

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