Cory Morris - Plays for the Majors

BECKVILLE BOY MAKES THE MAJORS! Beckville native Cory Morris signed his contracts Sunday to play for the Baltimore Orioles as Relief Pitcher.

Cory is the son of John & Sharon Morris of Carthage and is married to Lori-Ann Gary of Beckville. The couple has two children.

BALTIMORE -- The Baltimore Orioles expanded their thin pitching staff to 12 players Sunday, purchasing the contract of reliever Cory Morris and designating catcher Raul Chavez for assignment.

The Orioles started the season with the theory that having three catchers was more important than playing with 12 pitchers. But manager Sam Perlozzo tapped into the bullpen heavily during the first five games, which left him with little choice but to increase the relief staff.

"We still felt we needed some (bullpen) insurance. We just needed another pitcher," Perlozzo said Sunday.

Morris never pitched above the Double-A level since being drafted by the Orioles in the 15th round of the 2001 amateur draft. He was 1-1 with a 5.27 ERA in seven spring training appearances.

"He showed he can pitch a little bit. We're willing to give it a shot," Perlozzo said. "He attacked hitters. He didn't show me he was afraid."

Chavez appeared in one game defensively for the Orioles and didn't have a plate appearance. He was claimed on waivers from Houston on March 31. Baltimore has 10 days to trade him or release him; after that time, Chavez can become a free agent or accept the demotion to the minor leagues.

With Chavez gone, the Orioles' two catchers are Ramon Hernandez and Javy Lopez. Kevin Millar will be the emergency third catcher.

"He's the only one who volunteered," Perlozzo said. "I'm not looking for quality, I'm looking for quantity at that point."

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