Former Baltimore Orioles Reliever Targeting MLB Return After Stint Overseas
As the Baltimore Orioles begin to navigate their offseason plans, it's been made clear that they will be targeting backend bullpen help in free agency.
With a season-ending injury to All-Star closer Felix Bautista, more stress will be put on the high-leverage arms for this upcoming season if they don't address this need.
One player that could be a target is a former player of the Orioles.
According to Jon Heyman of The New York Post, reliever Adam Plutko is targeting his return to the MLB after a two-year stint in the Korean Baseball Organization.
Plutko was originally drafted by the Cleveland Guardians in the 11th Round of the 2013 MLB Draft. His career got off to a rocky start when he missed the entire year due to a stress fracture in his shoulder.
He worked his way up through their minor league ranks until he made his MLB debut in 2016 and appeared in two games for the Guardians.
Originally a starting pitcher, the right-hander had a record of 11-10 with an ERA of 5.03 during the 2018 and 2019 seasons, starting 32 out of 38 games.
During 2020, Cleveland moved him into the bullpen before the year where he made 10 appearances and four starts.
Following that season, Baltimore traded cash considerations to acquire Plutko. He was primarily used as a reliever, appearing in 38 games and recording an ERA of 6.71.
After being designated for assignment, he opted for free agency and signed a deal with the LG Twins of the KBO.
Plutko had much more success overseas, recording a 2.40 ERA in 285 1/3 innings during his two seasons in a starting pitcher role.
Now, as Heyman reports, he's looking to make his return to the MLB.
It's unlikely that the Orioles view him as a target, considering how much he struggled while he was with the team. Plutko also still failed to make batters swing and miss with the LG Twins, striking out only 250 batters across his innings pitched.
It's unclear what role he's looking for in Major League Baseball at this time.
