The Orioles announced today that righty Eric Hanhold was outrighted to Triple-A after clearing waivers. He had recently been designated for assignment but did not draw interest from other organizations.
Hanhold already moved once via the waiver wire in recent months, when the Baltimore org claimed him last fall from the Mets. No doubt the O’s knew all along there may be a need for the roster spot, but felt there’d be a chance of stashing Hanhold if he cleared waivers.
Now, the 26-year-old University of Florida product will head to camp with a tougher path to the active roster. But he should have his chances in a wide-open Orioles pen situation.
Hanhold has only three big league appearances under his belt. The reliever has pitched to a 2.25 ERA in forty frames at the Double-A level but has not found as much success at the highest level of the minors. In 67 2/3 innings at Triple-A over the past two seasons, he carries a 5.32 ERA with 7.4 K/9 and 3.7 BB/9.
He should be good depth if not claimed on waivers
Since not claimed on waivers
I seem to recall the Blue Jays are the masters of the waiver wire, claiming tons of guys with the goal of out-righting them to AAA but I don’t think they actually have much to show for it.
On the Mets he had a fastball with good velo, I think he’d stand a good chance of getting extended playing time in the Orioles bullpen.
I heard he likes long walks on the beach, holding hands. Okay lame joke – but good for the O’s I think that he cleared waivers and they get to keep him. He’s had some success in the minors and is still relatively young. He could still emerge as a viable relief arm in the coming year(s)