The Orioles recalled the leader in home runs allowed in Major League Baseball, Tommy Hunter, from Double-A Bowie, and Zach Phillips from Triple-A Norfolk.

Reliever Jason Berken was designated for assignment to make room for the moves.

Hunter is 4-8, with a 5.95 ERA during 23 games (20 starts) during four stints with the Orioles this season. The Orioles acquired Hunter a year ago as part of a trade with the Rangers, but has disappointed this season in the rotation. His penchant for allowing home runs, 32 so far, has made his season a frustrating one.

During 42 games for Norfolk, Phillips was 2-2, with a 3.17 ERA. During his only outing for the Orioles, May 8 against Texas, he allowed two earned runs on three hits and walked two. He'll serve as a left-handed reliever for the Orioles, who are now just two games behind the New York Yankees in the American League East.

Berken appeared in one game for the Orioles this year, May 7 against Texas, and allowed seven runs (two earned) in one inning of work. He was 5-6 for the Tides this year, with a 3.50 ERA. He was once considered a great comeback story for the Orioles, but has not played much in Baltimore during the last two years.

Posted Sept. 3, 2012