Orioles DFA Vespi and claim Kriske

The Orioles designated left-hander Nick Vespi for assignment this afternoon after optioning him for a fifth time, and they claimed right-hander Brooks Kriske on waivers from the Reds.

Kriske was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk to leave the active roster untouched. The 40-man remains full.

Vespi couldn’t be optioned again without passing through waivers. He tossed a scoreless inning Thursday against the Astros.

Kriske provides more flexibility, and he’s back in the organization after appearing in four games with the Orioles in 2021 and allowing five runs in 3 2/3 innings. He hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2023 with the Royals, spending the next two years in Japan.

The Reds signed Kriske as a free agent in December. He had a 3.10 ERA in 42 games with Triple-A Louisville and struck out 72 batters in 49 1/3 innings.

Orioles sign Nottingham to minor league deal (and notes)

Orioles sign Nottingham to minor league deal (and notes)
The Orioles will begin announcing their selections in the Triple-A phase of the Rule 5 draft today after making a much-needed move to address their catching deficiency. Jacob Nottingham has signed a minor league deal that likely includes an invitation to spring training. The team revealed the transaction this morning, but it's listed in Baseball-Reference.com as happening on Dec. 1. Nottingham, 26, can provide an option at a position that's lost Pedro Severino, Austin Wynns and Nick Ciuffo...

Leftovers for breakfast

Leftovers for breakfast
The Orioles took a few swipes at their 40-man roster yesterday, including how they outrighted infielder Richie Martin to Triple-A Norfolk. The former Rule 5 pick couldn't decline because it was his first outright. Martin stays in the organization and can compete for a job in spring training or provide more depth in the organization. Injuries have messed with Martin the past few years. Who knows how badly they've hurt his development - the factures in both wrists and a broken hamate bone? They...

Orioles remove Kriske, Fox from 40-man roster (with multiple updates)

Orioles remove Kriske, Fox from 40-man roster (with multiple updates)
While the Orioles are busy making contract decisions on their arbitration eligible players, with the deadline set at 8 p.m. tonight, they also cleared two spots on a 40-man roster that's no longer filled. Reliever Brooks Kriske was released to pursue an international opportunity, according to the club, confirming news that appeared this morning on baseball's transactions page. And the Nationals claimed infielder Lucius Fox off waivers, ending his stay with the Orioles only two weeks after...

Next deadline is upon Orioles as CBA is set to expire (updated)

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With the clock ticking much louder on the expiration of the collective bargaining agreement, and a resolution by 11:59 p.m. Wednesday seems impossible, the next order of business for anyone covering the Winter Meetings is to check the hotel's cancellation policy. Don't want to get charged for a room that isn't used. (The policy is 48 hours before check-in, if you care.) Also, who doesn't love a Southwest credit? A free agent still must pass his physical and sign a contract after the final...

Thoughts on acquiring Baker and latest version of 40-man roster

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Which relievers are returning to Orioles in 2022?

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Are there any guaranteed returns among Orioles relievers beyond Rule 5 pick Tyler Wells? Is it weird that Wells is the first and perhaps only mention? This is quite the commentary on Wells, who emerged as the most likely closer candidate next spring, and the state of the bullpen. Left-handers Paul Fry and Tanner Scott are eligible for arbitration and projected by MLBTradeRumors.com to make $1.1 million and $1 million, respectively. Teams expressed interest in both relievers at the trade...

Orioles facing many more 40-man moves

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Orioles' late rally falls short in 6-4 loss in Toronto (updated)

Orioles' late rally falls short in 6-4 loss in Toronto (updated)
The Orioles tried to stay in spoiler mode tonight while going with a bullpen game rather than a starter equipped to provide actual length. Teams wanting the Blue Jays to implode in the weekend series and influence the wild card race could be heard cringing. Their eyes were bulging while checking the late score. Injuries have tampered with the Orioles rotation, which becomes more settled in the last two games with John Means and Bruce Zimmermann. So, manager Brandon Hyde lined up his available...

Orioles shut out in penultimate home game of 2021 (updated)

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Offense showed up, Gutiérrez with big homer in win (updated)

Offense showed up, Gutiérrez with big homer in win (updated)
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Akin and Hays impress again, but O's lose 4-3 (updated)

Akin and Hays impress again, but O's lose 4-3 (updated)
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Orioles put Urías on injured list and DFA Valdez

Orioles put Urías on injured list and DFA Valdez
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Orioles preparing to make multiple roster moves

Orioles preparing to make multiple roster moves
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Urías scratched from lineup, Mancini and Severino return

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Orioles add relievers Eshelman and Kriske to active roster

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Hays' homer can't hold back 100th loss (updated)

Hays' homer can't hold back 100th loss (updated)
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Orioles claim Kriske off waivers

Orioles claim Kriske off waivers
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