Clay Rapada Clears Waivers

SUNDAY: Rapada has cleared waivers and accepted an assignment to Triple-A Norfolk, according to Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter).

WEDNESDAY: The Orioles announced that they designated Clay Rapada for assignment to create active roster space for Alfredo Simon. The Orioles open up a 40-man roster spot by activating Simon from the 15-day disabled list and removing Rapada from the roster.

Baltimore signed Rapada to a minor league deal in January, a few months after the Rangers released him. The 30-year-old lefty appeared in 22 games for the Orioles (12 1/3 innings) and posted a 7.30 ERA with 9.5 K/9 and 4.4 BB/9. Rapada has thrown his slider 43.8% of the time this year a mark that only 11 pitchers have surpassed so far in 2011 (minimum 10 IP).

Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun first reported the move (on Twitter).