Gutiérrez designated for assignment

The Orioles made their final roster move this morning to get down to the required 26 players, announcing that they designated infielder Kelvin Gutiérrez for assignment.

Gutiérrez joined the team on July 3 after having his contract purchased from the Royals, and he became the regular third baseman over the final month. He batted .248/.327/.336 in 47 games but was 4-for-28 in 12 this season.

The last three lineups didn’t include Gutiérrez, who’s out of minor league options, and manager Brandon Hyde confirmed yesterday that the infielder wasn’t dealing with a health issue.

Chris Owings remains with the Orioles despite a 2-for-18 start with 12 strikeouts. Owings can play just about anywhere, while Gutiérrez is mainly a third baseman on a team that has other choices at the corner.

Gutiérrez committed two errors Sunday at Yankee Stadium in his final start.

Tyler Nevin should receive more opportunities at third base, and the Orioles also can use Ramón Urías.

The 40-man roster is down to 39 players. The active roster still holds the maximum 14 pitchers, while the club proceeds with a three-man bench.

Outfielder Ryan McKenna was optioned after yesterday’s game.

The Orioles begin a four-game series against the Twins tonight with Tyler Wells trying to keep the rotation rolling.

The starters have posted a 2.08 ERA in the last five games, with six earned runs in 26 innings. Their 1.78 home ERA is lowest in the majors.

Wells has allowed eight runs and 14 hits in 13 innings in four starts. His first major league win last year came against the Twins on June 2, when he tossed three scoreless innings with one hit allowed.

The Twins (13-9) have won nine of their last 10 games and are the only team above .500 in the American League Central.

Minnesota’s 3.15 ERA is the sixth-lowest in the majors and second in the AL behind the Yankees (2.72). The rotation’s 2.62 ERA is lowest in the league.

Right-hander Chris Paddack, who spent the past three seasons with the Padres, has allowed six runs in 14 2/3 innings in three starts. He’s walked one batter and struck out 13.

Paddack faced the Orioles on July 29, 2019 in San Diego and held them to one run and three hits in 5 1/3 innings.

Carlos Correa is batting .256/.326/.333 with one home run in 20 games. Byron Buxton is batting .283/.345/.755 with four doubles and seven home runs in 14 games.

Miguel Sanó is 5-for-54 (.093) with 21 strikeouts and headed to the injured list with left knee soreness.