On Tuesday, the Orioles made a roster move, calling up OF/1B Chris Parmalee. Parmalle had an opt-out in his contract if he was not on the team by June 15. So, the Orioles wanted to take a look at him. To do this, though, many thought they would designate an outfielder for assignment. To the surprise of many, they optioned their most consistent, and perhaps best pitcher, Wei Yin Chen to Class A Frederick.
This unexpected move has brought on lots of criticism. When you dive into the reasons why it was made, though, you realize it’s just another genius move by Buck Showalter and Dan Duquette.
The Orioles wanted to get a better look at Parmalee, but didn’t want to let someone go. This gives him a 10 day audition of sorts, because Chen must be in the minors at least 10 days before being recalled. Now the Orioles can get a good luck at Parmalee before making a more long-term decision. They already have a crowded outfield. You know Adam Jones is going nowhere, along with Delmon Young. That leaves Nolan Reimold, Steve Pearce, David Lough, Travis Snider, and now Parmalee who can play the outfield. It doesn’t seem like the O’s can keep everyone, so a trade might be coming.
This 10 day stint in the minors also gives Chen a break. Many people were shocked that Chen was sent to the minors. He just threw eight shutout innings on Monday against Philadelphia. This was not a move because he’s struggling, because he’s not. He’s actually currently the Orioles best pitcher. This was a tactical move. Chen had been dealing with “general soreness.” While many think that’s ridiculous, just think of how many pitchers have had Tommy John Surgery because they’re overworked. This break will allow Chen to work later on in the season.
What this break also allows, is for Chen to avoid facing the red hot Toronto Blue Jays, up in the launching pad that is Rogers Centre. He is 1-3 in his career against the lefty killing Jays, with a 5.40 ERA in 4 starts. Yes, Chen would like to face a team the has beat him in the past to try and turn the tide, but if you’re the Orioles, why set him up for failure?
Chen, who never tweets, sent out two tweets yesterday in English saying he’s healthy and is dissapointed to be sent down. This also brought on criticism from his well known agent, Scott Boras.
It was an odd move, but one that makes sense for his health, and the team’s success. Buck Showalter and Dan Duquette know what they’re doing, and they hope this is a short-term move that helps in the long-term.