NEW YORK—The Orioles made a flurry of roster moves on Tuesday, activating catcher James McCann from the 10-day injured list, placing left-handed pitcher Cionel Pérez on the 15-day injured list because of left forearm soreness, recalling left-handed pitcher Bruce Zimmermann from Triple-A Norfolk and optioning right-hander Chris Vallimont to Norfolk.
Manager Brandon Hyde said Pérez felt some soreness when he went to play catch before Monday night’s game.
“Definitely taking precautionary measures with the All-Star break around the corner, that gives us four more days to rest it,” Hyde said.
The move is retroactive to Monday, and Pérez, who is 2-1 with a 4.45 earned-run average in 33 games, will be eligible to pitch on July 18th.
“We talked about a lot last night with him after the game. He feels like he could go,” Hyde said. “We just want to give it some time to rest.”
Zimmermann is 1-0 with a 6.10 ERA in five games with the Orioles and can provide long relief help.
“He’s done a really nice job in the times he’s been here,” Hyde said. “He’s used to the big stage. He’s used to the stadium.”
McCann is in the lineup for Tuesday’s afternoon game against the New York Yankees. Despite his activation, the Orioles are keeping Anthony Bemboom as a third catcher and a left-hand hitter for now.
Vallimont made his major league debut in Monday’s 6-3 loss to the Yankees, allowing one hit and recording two outs.
Notes: Austin Hays isn’t in the lineup again for Tuesday’s game because of his bruised left hip, but he was scheduled to hit in the cage before the game, Hyde said. “A little bit of a workday and the hip feels better,” Hyde said.