BALTIMORE (AP) — The Baltimore Orioles have purchased the contract of outfielder Xavier Avery from Triple-A Norfolk and optioned pitcher Stu Pomeranz to the same minor league club.
Avery, the Orioles’ second-round pick in the 2008 draft, was poised to make his major league debut in Sunday’s game against Tampa Bay. He hit leadoff and was in left field.
The 22-year-old Avery hit .273 with five homers and 16 RBIs with Norfolk this season.
Before the game, he said, “I’m still in awe right now. I can barely talk to you all, I’m so happy. There is no place like the big leagues.”
Pomeranz pitched in two games with Baltimore after having his contract purchased on May 7.
To make room on the 40-man roster, the Orioles designated infielder Matt Antonelli for assignment.
