The Orioles yesterday announced that they have outrighted catcher Pedro Severino and pitchers, Connor Greene, Marcos Diplan to Norfolk while pitcher Eric Hanhold was claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Not surprisingly pitchers Matt Harvey and Fernando Abad claimed free agency.
The moves followed late October moves that saw the Orioles send RHP Konner Wade, SS Pat Valaika, RHP Thomas Eshelman C Austin Wynns and RHP Travis Lakins Sr. outright to Norfolk Tides. The Arizona Diamondbacks claimed RHP Zack Burdi off waivers.
The Orioles 40-man roster now sits at 35 before the add in minor league players that must be protected from the 40-man roster.
No big surprises amongst the guys DFA’d. Severino is due arbitration and everyone knows that Adley Rutschman is going to be the starting catcher for most of next season depending on the new collective bargaining agreement and how it handles major league time for arbitration and free agency purposes.
The Orioles could choose to bring back Severino on a minor league contract if they can’t find a better back up catcher for 2022. Currently Nick Ciuffo is the only catcher on the 40-man roster and it would not be surprising if he’s not DFA’d to make room for some minor leaguers that need to be protected.
