The Orioles removed left-handed pitcher Danny Coulombe from the bereavement list before Tuesday’s game in Milwaukee. Instead of optioning utilityman Josh Lester, who was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk on Saturday when Coulombe’s move was announced, the Orioles sent another utility player, Terrin Vavra, to the Tides.
Lester, who will be 29 next month, was 1-for-3 with two RBIs in Sunday’s 8-3 win in San Francisco, his first major league hit and RBIs.
The Orioles like his versatility. He filled in for Gunnar Henderson, who had a lower back injury on Sunday, at third base and can play first, left and right field.
Besides Lester, the Orioles are also keeping Ryan O’Hearn, another left-handed hitter. O’Hearn also can play first base and the corner outfield positions.
Vavra is hitting .245 with five RBIs in 27 games with the Orioles. This is the second time he has been optioned this season.
Notes: Besides adding Heston Kjerstad, Norfolk recalled left-hander Easton Lucas from Double-A Bowie. Lucas was acquired from Miami in December 2019 in exchange for infielder Jonathan Villar. Lucas was 1-0 with a 1.59 ERA in 17 games and struck out 24 batters, walking four in 11 innings. … Outfielder Hudson Haskin, who also had been rehabbing at Bowie, has rejoined the Tides. … Norfolk also added catcher José Godoy last week. The Orioles acquired him from the New York Yankees on June 2nd for cash considerations. Godoy hit .123 in 26 games with Seattle, Minnesota and Pittsburgh in 2021 and 2022. … Jackson Holliday was named the South Atlantic League’s Player of the Month for May. Holliday’s teammate with High-A Aberdeen, Alex Pham, was named the league’s Pitcher of the Month.