The Orioles announced on Twitter that they have designated right-hander Jair Jurrjens for assignment in order to clear a 40-man roster spot for Jairo Asencio, who has been called up from Triple-A Norfolk.
The 27-year-old Jurrjens appeared in two games (one start) for the Orioles after agreeing to a minor league contract with Baltimore this offseason, allowing four runs in 7 1/3 innings of work. He pitched well out of the gates for Norfolk but has posted an unsightly 5.32 ERA over his past eight starts for the Tides. In 94 2/3 minor league innings this season he has an impressive 2.3 BB/9 rate but just a 4.9 K/9 rate.
Asencio was acquired from the Brewers in Spring Training for a player to be named later or cash. In 37 2/3 innings for Norfolk this season, he has a 2.15 ERA with 9.8 K/9 and 1.7 BB/9. The Orioles will be the fourth big league team for which the 30-year-old Asencio has pitched. He has compiled 53 1/3 innings of Major League experience betweeen the Braves, Cubs and Indians.