The Orioles have claimed left-hander Ty Blach, MLBTR’s Steve Adams reports. Blach was designated for assignment by San Francisco a week ago. INF Jose Rondon was designated for assignment to make room.
Blach, 28, was a reasonably productive swingman for the 2016-18 versions of the club, with numbers slightly inflated (per fWAR and other metrics that rely heavily on park factors) by the enormous dimensions of SF’s Oracle Park. The lefty, who’s posted the league’s lowest strikeout total since his debut in late 2016, threw up a solid 3.84 FIP in 47 appearances (13 starts) for the Giants last season, a performance that ostensibly wasn’t enough to curry favor with the new regime. He’s spent much of the this season trying to survive in the PCL, where his 5.93 ERA/5.26 FIP are actually respectable totals in the harrowing offensive climate that dots the league’s landscape.
It’s possible the soft-tosser steps right into an embattled Baltimore rotation, which treats cast-offs, fringe prospects, and former stalwarts all the same. Blach’s career 50% grounder rate should play well in the miniaturized dimensions of Camden Yards, though he won’t be afforded the same heavy-air cushion he was at Oracle. Still, it’s as good of opportunity as could be hoped for 28-year-old, who’d likely have returned to Triple-A in most organizations around the league.
Rondon, 25, was a promising utility prospect in the Padres system from 2014-17, but hit the skids in the high minors and couldn’t steady himself after transitioning to the AL with the White Sox. Rondon did post a solid 102 wRC+ in limited action for the Pale Hose last season, but his .197/.265/.282 ’19 line wasn’t enough to keep him in the organization. He appeared in just a single game for the Orioles; the club’ll obviously hope he clears waivers and can be outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk.
Orioles love underperforming giants south paw pitchers. Josh Osich, DJ Snelton, And now ty Blach
Unlike the guys above, Blach has had a run of success in the majors. It’s worth a chance, nice pickup imo by the O’s.
As do the Giants — Sidney Ponson, where are you?
Sidney Ponson was right handed…also that was one whole example
Sidney ponson lmao what. You’re reaching. But we do have a former oriole on the roster. Thanks for Yaz!
The O’s certainly don’t love them. They tolerate them because there isn’t anything better in the system. Most of these guys are disposable and will not be in the organization in 2021.
Just like Yastrzemski was disposable lmfao
All ex-Giants.
bye bye ty
The orioles are the waiver and DFA kings…. sigh…
good pickup for your average rebuilder, but he’ll be killed in Camden Yards
Not of he keeps the ball on the ground, which he has done most of his career
He’s a powder keg – 5+ era is in sight
Good luck Blach. At least renting a place in BMore will be a lot cheaper.
I remember when rondon came up. He wa supposed to be glove give but his throws to first were off the mark quite a bit. At the plate he looked like a deer in the headlight.
Ty Blach….in Camden Yards….yikes
Good luck to Ty!! Will be missing him in SF Giants uni.
Doesn’t Rondon need to be returned to the White Sox?
No he doesn’t. You might be thinking of Rule 5
Ok thx.
A softer tossing lefty who still could be a rotation piece, not a bad gamble. Could fit the mold of a Millone or LeBlanc, but with greater upside and more durability. Don’t be surprised if he gives the Orioles some real innings next year.
Wishing the best and much success to Blach in Baltimore. Seize the opportunity
Wish he could’ve slipped to Detroit! I’d take him over Carpenter & VerHagen
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