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The Orioles made a couple of surprising moves on Friday, and one that was expected. They sent Keegan Akin, who was expected to be in the starting rotation, to Norfolk, re-signed Wade LeBlanc, who was given his release on Thursday, and put Chris Davis, who has been out since February 28th, on the 60-day injured list.
Akin entered spring training with an excellent chance to make the Orioles’ starting rotation after making his major league debut last season. But he allowed six runs on eight hits in 2 1/3 innings against Pittsburgh on Thursday night and had a spring training ERA of 10.00.
While the Orioles optioned the left-hander, who will be 26 on April 1st, they brought back the left-handed LeBlanc, who opted out of his minor league contract on Thursday and was given his release. LeBlanc, 36, signed a contract that will pay him $700,000 if he’s in the majors, according to Bob Nightengale, of USA Today.
To make room for LeBlanc on the 40-man roster, the Orioles placed Davis on the 60-day injured list because of a lower back injury.
The Orioles also sent infielders Jahmai Jones and Richie Martin to Triple-A Norfolk and reassigned left-handed pitcher Fernando Abad and infielder/outfielder Chris Shaw to the Twin Lakes camp.
The Orioles reduced their training camp roster to 36.
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I guess the squeaky wheel got the grease after all?
Good for you Mr. LeBlanc. You made the team the old fashioned way .... you eaaauuuurrrrrrned it. (apologies to John Houseman and those of you old enough to remember that schtick)
And Kudos to Mike Elias for doing the right thing.
LeBlanc is back, better yet we don’t have to see someone else for awhile ...go O’s...
Had to scratch my head on this one. They could have put Davis on the 60 day IL yesterday and had room for LeBlanc. Looks like releasing LeBlanc and signing him the next day saves 100k. Whether he makes 800k or 700k makes no difference. He’ll be traded at the deadline if he’s pitching well. Even before last night, Akin hadn’t looked good in Spring Training. King Felix can opt out Sunday, so who knows what happens there. He can be added to the roster and put on the IL. DJ Stewart has been “day to day” for 3 weeks. He might wind up on the 60 also with Davis. If they are going to add another non roster player, it should be Conner Greene. He’s looked good and he’s only 25. And has options. Frankly, wouldn’t be surprised if Chris Davis is released when healthy. It’s getting closer to the end of the contract and it’s apparent he doesn’t fit in anymore. Hopefully, Elias can convince John Angelos to eat the contract.
Akin is back where he belongs... just saying... (as I have for a few yers...
Akin was in the MLB one year and pitched in 8 games, few “yers” eh?
He didn’t imply Akin pitched for a few “yers” in MLB, he said this for a few “yers”...agree w/Boog, people need to read the whole statement, sometimes multiple times (myself included) before spouting off...go O’s...
Lopez and Wells look pretty darn good tonight...
Happy for LeBlanc just not sure it’s the right decision. If they decide to go with a 5 man rotation I’m assuming now it will be Means, Kremer, Harvey, LeBlanc and either Lopez or Zimmerman. Lopez was better than LeBlanc last season and had had a very good spring, as has LeBlanc. Zimmerman has been stellar in spring and certainly deserves a chance. Who knows, maybe they go with a 6 man after the first month and see what happens. Hate to say it but I’m glad CD is on 60 day IL, otherwise someone far more deserving would’ve been sent down. Lots of decisions to make in the next few days, Rule 5 guys are beginning to make a case for themselves. This is when it gets fun.
Rich, any idea if the O’s (or any other team) have insurance when a player with a contract similar to CD’s goes on a long term injured list?
Not sure.
Happy for LeBlanc. He can provide some veteran leadership. Akin is not teaching anyone, anything. And Tyler Wells has solidified a roster spot if you ask me. This kid is lights out!