The Orioles announced Wednesday that they’ve designated catcher Anthony Bemboom and right-hander Chris Vallimont for assignment. They’ve also optioned outfielder Ryan McKenna to Triple-A Norfolk. In a pair of corresponding moves, Baltimore has selected the contracts of top outfielder prospect Colton Cowser (as previously reported) and righty Eduard Bazardo from Norfolk.
Bemboom, 33, has gone 2-for-11 with a pair of walks and a pair of strikeouts in limited big league time with the O’s this season. He’s a career .161/.236/.260 hitter in a small sample of 216 big league plate appearances but carries a more palatable .249/.342/.392 batting line in parts of seven Triple-A seasons — including a .278/.366/.389 output there in 2023. The O’s will have a week to trade Bemboom, release him or pass him through outright waivers.
Vallimont, 26, made his MLB debut a couple days ago when he pitched a scoreless two-thirds of an inning with a strikeout. The former Twins and Marlins prospect has had a tough go in the upper minors over the past two seasons, working to a combined 5.22 ERA in 129 1/3 innings at the Triple-A level. Minnesota designated Vallimont for assignment last summer, at which point Baltimore claimed him off waivers.
The O’s have already passed Vallimont through waivers once, back in January, and he remained with the club after going unclaimed. Since he’s now been outrighted previously in his career, Vallimont would have the right to reject any additional outright assignments in favor of free agency. The right-hander will be traded, placed on waivers or released in the coming week.
Cowser, 23, entered the season as a top-50 prospect in the sport, and the 2021 first-rounder has done nothing to dispel that optimism. In 56 games, he’s slashed .330/.459/.537 with 10 homers, 10 doubles, a triple and seven steals (in eight tries). He’s shown keen strike-zone recognition as well, drawing a walk in a massive 18.7% of his 257 plate appearances. He’s played all three outfield spots in the minors, and based on his pedigree, production and versatility, he should be expected to take on an everyday role with the O’s moving forward.
As for the 27-year-old Bazardo, this’ll be his third season with at least some big league experience. The righty appeared with the Red Sox in each of the past two seasons but only logged a combined 19 1/3 innings of relief work. He’s posted an impressive 2.33 ERA in that time, although his 18.2% strikeout rate is well below average. He does have a solid 7.8% walk rate in that time, however, and Bazardo has been sharp in Triple-A this year: 33 1/3 innings, 3.51 ERA, 2.89 FIP, 27.7% strikeout rate, 7.1% walk rate.
Bemboom goes the dynamite.
That’s a truly Vallimont attempt at a pun.
my vote is with paleo, funnier, more original, and more creative.
Reminds me of a song from childhood, excuse the hockey reference , “Clear the track, here comes Shack” as in clearing the track for the next decade of Os ball
I’m sure that’s not relevant news to Yankee fans at least.
Now let’s get back to how the O’s are cheap. Deflect, deflect, deflect.
Bem-Boom!!! could be a backup catcher for anyone in the league
He might not be the best hitter, but he is a terrific defensive catcher and knows how to call a game
I hope someone picks him up
The Orioles don’t seem to appreciate him!!!
What are we going to do with Bemboom? He’s the clear #3 on the depth chart. Just part of the roster crunch.
I never would have signed McCann
Traded but I think having the extra depth is good. Bemboom has always opted to come back after no team claims him.
> It’s possible those moves could add an
> additional arm to Baltimore’s bullpen,
> which is currently operating
> with just seven arms.
> and righty Eduard Bazardo from Norfolk
Can anyone confirm how many arms Bazardo has? Asking for a friend.
Bemboom back in DFA limbo. How many times is that for him over the past few seasons? 5? 6?
I was surprised to not see on his profile page the nickname ‘Bing’ Benboom.
Bazardo is a good call. I figured it was only a matter of time. He’s better than Gillaspie, Garrett, Vallimont, Garcia, B. Sulser… Akin. Bring it on.
News flash! News flash!
Read all about it!
MCKENNA SENT DOWN
McKenna’s honestly fine for a 5th OF’er/D replacement. It’s just gotten to the point where we have better options. He’ll be a major league reserve OF for another few years. Probably won’t be here though.
@Bstrow: agree, but his O side, in particular K rate, may keep teams away.
McKenna strikes me as another coming of Mike Yaztremski. He’ll be a great OF for another club. Wish we could trade him for a young live arm.