C Luis Exposito is only 1-for-17 since joining the Orioles, but the club values the young backstop’s defense. The club opted to keep Exposito, 25, over veteran Ronny Paulino when it went from three catchers to two. With Thursday’s off day, Exposito might be logging most of his work in the Orioles’ bullpen in the upcoming series.
LHP J.C. Romero signed a minor-league contract, and was assigned him to Triple-A Norfolk. He was released by the St. Louis Cardinals earlier this month after allowing 14 hits and nine runs in eight innings.
CF Adam Jones is putting up MVP numbers as May winds down. Jones enters Friday batting .311 with 14 home runs and 29 RBI. He’s on pace for 50 home runs and 100 RBI. Jones ranks second in the league in home runs and third in both runs (32) and slugging percentage (.601).
RHP Jason Hammel will look for his sixth victory in nine starts with he takes the mound for the Orioles against Kansas City on Friday. The Orioles have lost in only two of the eight starts Hammel has made this season.
RHP Pedro Strop has appeared in four games in the last week, earning three holds and a save. Strop, acquired last season from Texas, has been a huge pick-up for the Orioles. He’s allowed only three earned runs this season. Strop has appeared in 20 games, with a 0.93 ERA in 24 2/3 innings.
