Baltimore, Md. — Former Lawrence Co. Bulldog Chandler Shepherd is headed back to the Majors after the Orioles (10-7) made a roster move to replenish their pitching depth prior to the resumption of their suspended game against the Nationals on Friday, selecting the contract of righty Shepherd and optioning righty David Hess to their alternate training site.
Hess had made just three appearances this season in a longman role, one of those being in the final innings of Thursday’s 11-4 win over the Phillies. He likely would have been unavailable Friday for manager Brandon Hyde, who needs to cover at least 12 innings given the circumstances.
The Orioles and Nats had their game Sunday suspended in the sixth inning due to a tarp malfunction that rendered the field unplayable. They will resume that game Friday before opening their regularly scheduled three-game series at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
Shepherd, 27, made three starts for the Orioles down the stretch last season, pitching to a 6.63 ERA in five games overall. He is yet to appear in a game this season, and profiles as a second long relief option in Baltimore’s bullpen alongside rookie Keegan Akin.
