The Orioles have signed veteran left-hander Joe Saunders to a minor league contract, Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun reports (Twitter link).
Saunders joins his third organization of the season after being released by the Royals and Rangers within the last month. The southpaw posted a 6.13 ERA in 39 2/3 innings with Texas earlier this year and also struggled in four starts with Kansas City’s Triple-A affiliate.
This is Saunders’ second stint in Baltimore, as he was first acquired by the O’s in late August 2012. He was a key part of the Orioles’ playoff push that year, posting a 3.63 ERA over seven regular season starts and then a 1.59 ERA over two postseason starts, earning the win in the Orioles’ wild card game victory over the Rangers. Baltimore had some interest in Saunders during the offseason and, according to Connolly, are looking at Saunders as a possible long relief option out of the bullpen.
Lightning doesn’t strike twice…
For what you did as an Angel and winning that wild card game against Texas you always have my support Joe.
I wish him luck. Saunders has always been a class act. Still miss not seeing him in an Angels uniform.