Prior to the start of today’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays, it was announced by multiple sources that the Orioles have signed a familiar face to a minor league deal.
That familiar face happens to be veteran left-handed pitcher T.J. McFarland, who made his major league debut with Baltimore in 2013. The now 34-year-old was designated for assignment by the New York Mets earlier this month.
Over his first two seasons in the majors, McFarland posted a 3.58 ERA in 133.1 innings of work. However, he struggled the following two seasons, mustering just 65 innings with a disappointing 5.68 ERA. That downturn in production led to his release prior to the 2017 season.
In his four seasons with the Birds from 2013 to 2016, McFarland posted a 4.27 ERA and 1.548 WHIP with 125 strikeouts and 69 walks in 198.1 innings of work.
McFarland has since played for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Oakland Athletics, and St. Louis Cardinals, in addition to the Mets. In 275.2 innings of work with those clubs, he’s managed a 4.05 ERA.
The Palos Park, Illinois, native has thrown just 1.2 innings in the majors this year, though he sports a 2.76 ERA in 32.2 innings of work for the Triple-A Syracuse Mets. McFarland could still prove to be valuable depth that helps bear the load as this O’s club guides through the second half.
McFarland has officially been added to the Triple-A Norfolk roster. He will join the likes of fellow left-hander Nick Vespi, Logan Gillaspie, Eduard Bazardo and Joey Krehbiel.
Welcome back to Birdland, T.J. McFarland!
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