Orioles Have Open Roster Spot After Outfielder Claimed By Colorado Rockies
There has been some roster tinkering by the Baltimore Orioles as they continue to work their way through Spring Training games before the start of the upcoming season.
With some unfortunate injury news to two of their projected starters, they decided to sign a former All-Star to a minor league deal.
Then, the Orioles added a two-time Gold Glover to give themselves more infield depth.
Whatever direction the front office wants to go with their roster now, there is a spot open after outfielder Sam Hilliard was claimed off waivers by the Colorado Rockies according to Roch Kubatko of MASN.
The 30-year-old was originally claimed by Baltimore back in November 2023, giving themselves another left-handed batting option.
Already deep in the outfield, it seems like the Orioles are looking to use this roster spot on another position, probably pitching, instead of holding onto Hilliard who has struggled at the plate during his limited five-year career.
He was originally drafted by the Rockies in the 15th round of the 2015 MLB Draft after one year in college. He made his Major League debut in 2019, but never quite stuck on the roster, rotating between the bigs and their Triple-A affiliate.
Hilliard didn't get much of an opportunity to showcase anything with Baltimore during Spring Training, going 0-3 in three plate appearances across two games, but other outfielders are putting together solid performances which likely pushed the front office to this decision.
What move directly comes out of this will be seen.
They could add one of their two newly acquired players to the 40-man roster, or they could wait and see who else might become available before the season begins.
