BALTIMORE – Infielder Ryan Flaherty, a Portland native who played for Deering High, was activated from the 15-day disabled list Friday by the Baltimore Orioles.

Flaherty had been suffering from a bacterial infection.

To make room on the roster, Baltimore optioned right-hander Tommy Hunter to Double-A Bowie.

Also, Baltimore recalled left-hander Brian Matusz from Triple-A Norfolk and assigned him to the bullpen, a radical change for the longtime starter.

REDS: First baseman Joey Votto had a full workout , suggesting he’s close to rejoining the team.

Votto took grounders on the field as part of his workout. He’s had two operations since July 17 to repair torn cartilage in his left knee.

DIAMONDBACKS: Mark Grace is taking an indefinite leave of absence from his job as television color analyst after his second drunken driving arrest in 15 months in the Phoenix suburb of Scottsdale, Ariz.

The team said Grace was taking the leave “to seek personal assistance.” The Diamondbacks added that due to the nature of Grace’s request, it would not comment further on the matter.

TWINS: Minnesota recalled right-hander Kyle Waldrop from Triple-A Rochester.

Outfielder Matt Carson was optioned to Rochester. Carson hit .381 in five games with the Twins.

• Pitcher Scott Diamond was suspended six games by Major League Baseball for a pitch that was thrown near the head of Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton.

BREWERS: Milwaukee activated pitcher Shaun Marcum from the disabled list and plans to start him Saturday night against Pittsburgh.

PIRATES: Pittsburgh selected the contract of first baseman Jeff Clement from its Triple-A team and claimed reliever Hisanori Takahashi off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels.

RANGERS: Infielder Michael Young was placed on the MLB’s paternity leave list following the birth of his third son.

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