The Orioles have announced that they’ve designated reliever Preston Guilmet for assignment. In a corresponding move, they’ve purchased the contract of infielder Alexi Casilla.
Guilmet, 27, pitched 10 1/3 innings for the Orioles this year, striking out 12 batters and walking just two but giving up two homers and six earned runs. Guilmet, a long-time closer in the Indians’ system, has always posted strong numbers in the minor leagues, but hasn’t gotten a clean shot at a big-league job, perhaps in part because of his underwhelming stuff — most of his fastballs don’t top 90MPH, and he doesn’t get many ground balls.
Casilla tells Eduardo A. Encina of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter) that he thought his season was over, and that he had been getting ready to play winter ball in the Dominican. The 30-year-old Casilla hit .264/.315/.320 in 213 plate appearances for Triple-A Norfolk this year. He has not played since August 30 due to a hamstring injury. He is in the Orioles’ lineup today, playing third base.
Probably doesn’t survive the 40 man over the roster anyways.
Hey, this might be Dan Duquette pulling a rabbit out of the hat for the Orioles.
I always liked Alexi Casilla and now here’s a chance to help the O’s out in a very major way! I don’t care if he can’t hit, his defense could really solidify the infield.
Looking at his minor league stats I wouldn’t be surprised if the A’s claim him/trade for Guilmet. They like guys who put up good numbers especially K/BB ratios in the minors but who have not gotten a real shot in the majors even if their stuff is short. Dan Otero was the latest example.