The Orioles are designating corner infielder Bryan Ramos for assignment, reports Francys Romero. He’s out of minor league options, so he needed to win an MLB job or be removed from the 40-man roster.
Ramos had an uphill path to a job. He had already been taken off the roster three times over the offseason. The O’s acquired him from the White Sox in January. Baltimore tried to get him through waivers a week later. The Cardinals placed a claim but designated him themselves less than two weeks after that. The Orioles brought him back on a waiver claim.
The 24-year-old Ramos put his best foot forward this spring. He hit .316 with a home run and three doubles in 42 trips to the plate. However, Ramos has slashed just .198/.244/.333 over 120 regular season plate appearances at the big league level. He’s coming off a rough season in Triple-A, batting .216/.309/.396 with 16 homers across 105 games with the White Sox’s top affiliate.
Baltimore will officially designate Ramos for assignment tomorrow morning when they announce their Opening Day roster. They’ll have five days after that to trade him or place him back on waivers. Blaze Alexander and Coby Mayo will draw into the starting lineup at second and third base, respectively, due to the Jackson Holliday and Jordan Westburg injuries. Ryan Mountcastle, Tyler O’Neill and Leody Taveras are locked into bench spots. Jeremiah Jackson or non-roster outfielder Weston Wilson are options for the final bench role.
Jeremiah Jackson deserves the utility spot. He ended last year on a high note, and his versatility is invaluable.
Agreed. I was confused when they acquired Alexander after Jeremiah had such a promising showing last season. I understand the versatility with Alexander, but as you mentioned, very similar as with Jackson! I suppose two super utility types are better than one, especially with two key injuries to infield starters.
Blaze’s defense is significantly better and Jackson is unlikely to sustain the sky high BABIP he had last year.
The waiver madness will begin
Ramos would be a nice claim for the cards again.
Seeing Tyler O’Neil being “locked into a bench spot” is funny. Quite the fall from grace from his Cardinal days
I’d love to see him back on the white sox. plug him in at 3rd and play vargas at DH.