Orioles option RHP Garcia, add Gausman to bullpen

BALTIMORE (AP) — The Baltimore Orioles have optioned veteran pitcher Freddy Garcia to Triple-A Norfolk, an assignment the right-hander has the right to refuse.

The 36-year-old Garcia is 3-5 with a 5.77 ERA in 11 games with the Orioles. Garcia can either accept the demotion or declare himself a free agent.

Manager Buck Showalter says, “Freddy has a decision to make. He can stay with us and go to Triple-A or do something else. Hoping he stays.”

Garcia was optioned because the Orioles recalled rookie right-hander Kevin Gausman from Norfolk on Monday.

Showalter said of Gausman: “Needed an arm today. We’re short in the pen.”

The 22-year-old Gausman is 0-3 with a 7.66 ERA in five starts with the Orioles this season. He pitched in relief during spring training.