The Orioles' interest in reacquiring outfielder L.J. Hoes became a reality today.
The Orioles have completed a trade with the Astros, bringing back their former third-round pick in exchange for cash considerations.
Hoes is out of options and his addition required the Orioles to remove a player from the 40-man roster, which they filled up on Monday by protecting pitchers Chris Lee, Andrew Triggs and Parker Bridwell. I'm told that they designated infielder Andy Wilkins for assignment.
The Orioles selected Hoes as a second baseman in the third round of the 2008 draft out of St. John's High School in D.C. They traded him to the Astros, along with minor league left-hander Josh Hader and a competitive balance pick, for starter Bud Norris on July 31, 2013.
Hoes, 25, appeared in only eight games with the Astros this season, going 4-for-15 with an RBI. He's a career .237/.289/.328 hitter in 112 games over parts of four seasons.
Hoes batted .295/.383/.400 with 24 doubles, three triples, three home runs, 53 RBIs and 26 stolen bases in 99 games with Fresno. He owns a career .369 on-base percentage in eight minor league seasons.
Center fielder Adam Jones and third baseman Manny Machado were among the players lobbying for Hoes' return. He also had plenty of supporters in the front office due to his speed, on-base capabilities and versatility. He's another right-handed bat to add to the mix.
"We're glad to have him back," said executive vice president Dan Duquette. "He's a dependable player and he's got good on-base skills and he's a versatile outfielder. He can play all three outfield positions. He's got a lot of enthusiasm, plus he's a local kid. We're glad to have him back.
"He had a really good year at Triple-A this past year, a really good year. He improved his base stealing, and he's only 25 years old. You see what he did in Fresno? He had a good year.
"He's a good contact hitter, a dependable outfielder. He's a good kid. And he's a favorite of Adam Jones. He's a good teammate."
Duquette said he continues to talk with other teams about possible trades, but he's not certain whether anything else will get done today.
CBSSports.com first reported that Hoes was traded to the Orioles.