SEATTLE -- The Orioles continued the trend of bringing up young players to the big league roster Thursday, calling up infielder Steve Wilkerson from Triple-A Norfolk. They also released outfielder Craig Gentry, who had been designated for assignment on Friday.
Wilkerson will join the Orioles in St. Petersburg for the opener of a three-game series against the Rays beginning Friday.
Wilkerson, 26, has played seven games for the Orioles this season, last appearing on July 1. He went 4-for-17 with a double and two RBIs before getting sent back down to the Minors. Wilkerson hit .247 (23-for-93) in 25 games between Norfolk and Double-A Bowie this season. He hasn't played since August 22 and went on the Minor League disabled list with a hamstring injury on August 24.
After the regular season, Wilkerson is scheduled to play for the Glendale Desert Dogs in the Arizona Fall League.
The Orioles couldn't find any trade suitors for the 34-year-old Gentry. In 68 games this season, he hit .269 with 11 RBIs and 12 stolen bases.