ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Prior to Monday’s opener against the Tampa Bay Rays, the Orioles added catcher Ryan Lavarnway and designated right-handed pitcher Ryan Webb for assignment. Lavarnway, who had been reassigned to minor league camp on Sunday as part of the team's final cuts, was a non-roster invitee this spring, batting .167 with two doubles and two RBIs in 17 Grapefruit League games. The Orioles will have 10 days to trade Webb or put him on waivers. Webb, who had a 3.83 ERA and 37 strikeouts in 49 innings last season, said earlier in the day that he would not accept an assignment.
"We've had trade discussions with several teams for the last 10 days," Orioles general manager Dan Duquette said. "Most of the clubs have their personnel decisions made, though. We will keep talking to teams into the season. We have another move we have to make because we don't want to go with too many pitchers."
David back soon: The Orioles will add first baseman Chris Davis (suspension) to the 25-man roster on Tuesday, although they won't have to make a move on the 40-man roster because they lost Logan Verrett after he was claimed off waivers by the Texas Rangers last week. To get to 25, the Orioles had reassigned Lavarnway and Nolan Reimold on Sunday, while optioning left-handed pitcher T.J. McFarland to Triple-A Norfolk.
Jimenez gets Saturday start: In Sunday's teleconference call with the media, Orioles manager Buck Showalter also announced that Ubaldo Jimenez would start on Saturday at Camden Yards against the Toronto Blue Jays. Jimenez compiled a 4.44 ERA with 23 strikeouts in 26 1/3 innings this spring. The move means 24-year-old pitcher Kevin Gausman will begin the season in the bullpen.
