Orioles option Zimmermann to Norfolk, recall Baumann

After seven starts without a win, and an earned-run average that rose from 2.67 on May 7^th to 5.94 on June 15^th, the Orioles optioned left-handed starter Bruce Zimmermann to Triple-A Norfolk on Thursday. They recalled right-hander Mike Baumann from the Tides.

Zimmermann, who is tied for the major league lead in home runs allowed with 18 and leads the American League in hits allowed with 87, will try to regain his confidence and effectiveness at Norfolk. In his first seven starts, Zimmerman, who is 2-5, allowed just one home run; he has given up 17 in his last seven starts.

On Wednesday night, he allowed six runs and a career-high 11 hits and three home runs in 4 2/3 innings in the Orioles’ 7-6 loss to Toronto. In his last four starts, Zimmermann has given up 24 runs on 39 hits in 19 innings for an 11.37 ERA.

Baumann is 1-2 with a 4.91 ERA in six games with the Orioles and is 0-4 with a 7.71 ERA in nine games with the Tides.