Major League Baseball

Orioles expand roster with Bourn, Stubbs and 3 others

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 11:34 p.m. ET

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BALTIMORE (AP) The Baltimore Orioles bolstered their roster for a playoff run Friday, formally adding outfielders Michael Bourn and Drew Stubbs and recalling three minor leaguers.

Bourn and Stubbs joined the team before Baltimore opened a three-game series against the New York Yankees. Both players were acquired Wednesday in separate moves.

The Orioles also recalled right-hander Tyler Wilson, lefty Jayson Aquino and catcher Caleb Joseph from Triple-A Norfolk. Wilson and Joseph have been with the Orioles for much of the season.

Aquino joins the team after splitting time between Double-A Bowie and Norfolk. Earlier this season, however, he made his major league debut against the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 4.

Neither Bourn nor Stubbs were in the starting lineup Friday, but manager Buck Showalter indicated one or both could see time as a late-inning replacement.

''We've been challenged defensively some late in the games,'' Showalter said. ''It's a piece we've been looking for.''

Describing both, Showalter said, ''They're welcome additions to the club. They're professional, they're experienced. I wish we could have gotten them earlier, but they weren't available.''

Bourn was obtained in a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks. The 33-year-old was hitting .261 with three homers, 30 RBIs and 13 stolen bases in 89 games for a team that long ago dropped out of the playoff picture.

''I'm glad to be on a team that's contending,'' Bourn said. ''I was on the opposite side of the spectrum, so it's fun to be in this position.''

Stubbs was claimed off waivers from the Texas Rangers. He missed 10 weeks with a foot injury and has played in only 39 games this season - 19 with Texas and 20 with Atlanta.

Bourn and Stubbs bring speed to a team that entered play Friday with only 10 stolen bases.

''I would say the hallmark of my career has been speed and defense,'' Stubbs said. ''When healthy, that's something I can bring to the park every day.''

In other news Friday, center fielder Adam Jones returned to the lineup after missing a week with a strained left hamstring.

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