Brach called up to make Orioles debut

MINNEAPOLIS -- Seeking to replenish their bullpen after Thursday's doubleheader, the Orioles recalled right-hander Brad Brach from Triple-A Norfolk prior to Friday night's series opener in Minnesota.

Brach got the call at about 2 a.m. and met the team in Minneapolis. He will be making his Orioles debut.

"I've had a couple of outings I wish I could change a little bit, but overall I feel really good," said Brach, who threw 16 pitches for Norfolk on Thursday night. "At the end of spring we made a couple of mechanical changes, and it's been night and day almost. I feel really good and just ready to help the team any way I can."

Brach has adjusted his footwork and direction toward the plate, which has resulted in better velocity and command. He has been encouraged by the changes, and the Orioles, who optioned Evan Meek after Thursday's second game, are in need of some strike-throwers.

"Brad, he's had a couple bumps, but he's pitched real well," Orioles manager Buck Showalter said. "Had a short outing last night. Talking to Ron [Johnson] and Brian Graham last night after the game, they thought he was the guy right now. We had some other guys coming off the DL we like, too, but we thought weren't quite there yet. See how we get through tonight."

Brach went 2-1 with a 4.85 ERA in 13 innings, 12 outings, for Norfolk.