After cutting eight players yesterday and being left with 29 of the 40 man roster, the Orioles announced today that they have cut LHP Zach Britton, IF Brendan Harris, and C Craig Tatum. All three will presumably start the year at AAA Norfolk.
Britton, the most interesting case of the bunch, had the best spring of any Orioles starting pitcher, throwing twenty major league innings while only allowing three earned runs. He also pitched five scoreless innings in a minor league game. With the fact that Britton’s service clock will allow for the Orioles to keep him under team control through 2017 (as opposed to 2016) just by not calling him up until after April 20th made this seem to be a complete business decision. Though it may be good for Britton to get some starts and work him in AAA, Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun says that there is already a schedule for him to be called up soon after that date.
Harris, a side piece coming over in the trade for SS J.J. Hardy, was never added to the 40 man roster, and will take an infield job at AAA as of now.
Tatum, competing with the suddenly slugging (10 ST HRs) Jake Fox for the backup catcher’s job, will start behind the plate in Norfolk. Tatum’s defense is far better behind the plate than Fox’s, and though Fox adds the versatility being able to also play corner infield and outfield spots along with a bit more pop in his bat, Brittany Ghiroli of MLB.com speculates that along with Britton, Tatum will be called up soon enough as well.
After sending those three players down to the minor leagues, the Orioles also officially put RHP Justin Duchscherer on the 15 day DL to start the season (he is projected to be ready by April 20th or so). Therefore, the Orioles 25 man roster, though officially submitted on Thursday, will be (barring injuries):
Pitchers:
- Jeremy Guthrie
- Brian Matusz
- Brad Bergesen
- Chris Tillman
- Jake Arrieta
- Kevin Gregg
- Koji Uehara
- Jason Berken
- Jeremy Accardo
- Mike Gonzalez
- Josh Rupe
- Jim Johnson
Catchers:
- Matt Wieters
- Jake Fox
Infielders:
- Mark Reynolds
- J.J. Hardy
- Brian Roberts
- Derrek Lee
- Cesar Izturis
- Robert Andino
Outfielders:
- Luke Scott
- Adam Jones
- Nick Markakis
- Felix Pie
Designated Hitter:
- Vladimir Guerrero
