HOUSTON — Left-hander Ashur Tolliver and his Double-A Bowie teammates trudged off the field after a second straight extra-inning loss Monday in need of a boost. It came in the form of a postgame announcement by pitching coach Alan Mills that Tolliver would be a big leaguer the next day.

“He had a big smile on his face and then ... his teammates came up, congratulated, gave him hugs,” Mills said. “It was a good time.”

A day later, even after an early cab ride and a flight from Connecticut to Houston, that smile was still there. The next time Tolliver takes the field, the 2009 fifth-round draft pick will accomplish something that labrum surgery in 2012 made improbable.

“I couldn't write it any better,” Tolliver said. “Going through everything has made it that much better. I'm so blessed to be an Oriole. I love it here. I'm so glad I signed back here. Just the familiarity with the guys, the front office people, all the coaches from Low-A to the big leagues, just getting to experience it here makes it extra special.”

Tolliver will fill the vacancy left by the trade of left-hander Brian Matusz, who was dealt to the Atlanta Braves on Monday along with a 2016 draft pick for two minor league pitchers.

Tolliver, 28, had a 2.42 ERA in 18 appearances for Bowie, after striking out 61 in a career-high 582/3 innings with the Baysox in 2015. He dealt with shoulder problems that threatened his career, but got his first major league opportunity Tuesday.

“He's just gotten a little better every year,” Orioles manager Buck Showalter said.

“Tolliver was in spring training” as a nonroster invitee, executive vice president Dan Duquette said. “He threw well. He's done well in Double-A. He's earned his opportunity. He's worked hard.”

Mills said Tolliver's combination of a fastball that touches 95 mph, plus his changeup and breaking ball, will play well at this level.

“He has a very fast arm,” Mills said. “The ball moves; it has late hop in the zone. To me, his second-best pitch is his changeup. His changeup is a very good pitch, and his breaking ball is good as well. He's a good pitcher.”

Better times ahead for Matusz: Teammates said Matusz was in good spirits Monday, focusing on his next opportunity.

“I thought he was happy,” closer Zach Britton said. “He was in a good spot. He feels like maybe this is going to be best for everybody, going somewhere new, getting a fresh opportunity. I wish him the best.”

The Braves designated Matusz for assignment, meaning once he clears waivers he'll be free to sign with any team.

Matusz had a 12.00?ERA in the majors after missing most of spring training with a back injury.

“He'll be in the big leagues again, and he'll pitch well again,” Showalter said. “We'll be pulling for him. He did a lot of good things for us, and will again in his baseball lifetime. But this too shall pass, and in the long run I think it'll be a good break for him and hopefully work out for everybody.”

Showalter on Duensing: Showalter spoke highly of left-hander Brian Duensing, who signed a minor league deal after beginning the season in Triple-A for the Kansas City Royals' affiliate.

“He's a guy who has had some success at the major league level,” Showalter said. “We added four pitchers [including minor leaguer Franderlin Romero from the Cincinnati Reds] that could impact us in some form, and hopefully, improve our bullpen.”

Around the horn: Right-hander Yovani Gallardo will pitch a two-inning simulated game Saturday if his bullpen session goes well today. … Right-hander Tyler Wilson will start tonight.

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