Baltimore, MD – The Baltimore Orioles optioned struggling pitcher Jake Arrieta to Triple-A Norfolk on Monday, one day after the right- hander labored through his most recent outing.
Arrieta issued five walks while being charged with five runs in just four innings of Sunday's 7-4 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, with the effort raising his season earned run average to 6.63. He did not last more than five innings in any of his four starts to begin the season, walking 16 batters over 19 frames over that span.
The Orioles have yet to announce who will take Arrieta's spot in the rotation, with the team recalling reliever Alex Burnett from Norfolk in time for Monday's opener of a three-game series with Toronto.
Baltimore claimed Burnett off waivers from the Blue Jays earlier this month, with the right-hander tossing 3 2/3 scoreless innings over three appearances with the Tides.
Burnett pitched in 67 games for the Minnesota Twins last season, compiling a 4-4 record with a 3.52 ERA.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.