The Orioles have recalled 24-year old righty reliever Kam Mickolio from AAA to pitch out of the bullpen. Mickolio was part of the impressive haul for Erik Bedard over the winter as he was the Mariners’ #18 prospect in their system coming into this season so he does have talent. Mickolio pitched in 43 games (0 starts) in AA+AAA ball this season and he was 2-1 with 3 saves, a 3.67 ERA and a 1.40 WHIP. He also whiffed an impressive 60 batters in 56.1 minor league innings this season. Mickolio made his major league debut last night and he worked 1 inning allowing 3 hits, 1 earned run and whiffed 2 batters.

If Jeremy Guthrie pitched for a better team than the Orioles he would have at least 4-5 more wins than he has right now. Either the Orioles don’t score Guthrie any runs or the bullpen blows up behind him. Guthrie has started 27 games for the Orioles this season and he is 10-9 with a 3.15 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP. Guthrie has been without a doubt the best pitcher on the Orioles and he will be for some time based on what I have seen out of him this season.

The Orioles have placed closer George Sherrill on the 15-day disabled list with inflammation in his left shoulder. Sherrill has pitched in 53 games for the Orioles this season and he is 3-5 with 31 saves, a 4.47 ERA and a 1.49 WHIP. The Orioles will likely replace Sherrill at closer with righty Jim Johnson who has pitched really well this season. Johnson has pitched in 50 games for the Orioles this season and he is 2-4 with 1 save, a 2.37 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP. Johnson should be able to do as good of a job as Sherrill did this season for the Orioles.

The Baltimore Orioles are removing lefty Garrett Olson and righty Dennis Sarfate from the starting rotation and they’re moving them to the bullpen. Olson has started 21 games for the Orioles this season and he is 8-6 with a 6.38 ERA and a 1.71 WHIP. Sarfate was pathetic as a starter for the Orioles. He has started 4 games for the Orioles this season and he was 0-2 with a 10.34 ERA and a 2.11 WHIP. Sarfate’s overall numbers have taken a huge hit with his rotation stint. Sarfate has pitched in 49 games (4 starts) for the Orioles this season and he is 4-3 with a 5.35 ERA and a 1.63 WHIP. It’s unknown right now who will replace Olson and Sarfate in the rotation but chances are that it will be a huge improvement.

Jay Payton always seems to be complaining about playing time so with him getting to start while Adam Jones is on the deal it’s time to put up or shut up. Payton has played in 13 games this August so far and he is 12 for 47 (.255 avg, .676 OPS) with 8 runs scored and 4 RBIs. He needs to play better than that if he wants to earn a lot of playing time when Jones comes back. He is also auditioning for other teams right now who might need a outfielder before August 31st when playoff rosters freeze. Payton has now played in 101 games this season for the Orioles and he is 61 for 248 (.246 avg, .657 OPS) with 30 runs scored, 6 homers, 37 RBIs and 4 stolen bases. It’s really starting to appear as though Payton’s bark is much worse than his bite.