The club optioned Gausman to start his 10-day mandatory minor league clock, but also wanted to take advantage of adding an extra player for Wednesday's 5-3 loss to the Twins on Wednesday afternoon.
The team recalled first baseman Christian Walker from Triple-A before the game. He was in the starting lineup, batting fifth as the team's designated hitter, but the Orioles sent him back to Norfolk after Wednesday's game because the team must activate outfielder Nolan Reimold from the three-day paternity list by Thursday.
"It's never a surprise, it's always a goal," Walker said when asked if he was surprised to get a call-up.