Orioles option Zimmermann to minor league camp

DUNEDIN, Florida—The Orioles optioned left-handed pitcher Bruce Zimmermann to minor league camp on Tuesday. Zimmermann, a Baltimore native, allowed five runs, three earned, on 12 hits in 7 2/3 innings with seven strikeouts this spring.

The 29-year-old left-hander, who was acquired from Atlanta on July 31^st, 2018 in the trade that sent Kevin Gausman and Darren O’Day to the Braves, is 8-10 with a 5.57 earned-run average in 38 games, seven starts, in the previous four seasons.

Zimmermann started the Orioles’ home opener in 2022. Last season, he pitched in seven games, all in relief, and was 2-0 with a 4.73 ERA.

He had sports hernia surgery after the season but reported to Sarasota in January.

Zimmermann’s demotion leaves the Orioles with 46 players on their spring training roster.

Note: First baseman Ryen Mountcastle, who hasn’t played since March12th because of a stiff neck, said he’ll be in the lineup on Wednesday night. Mountcastle stayed back in Sarasota on Tuesday to take live batting practice. Outfielder Austin Hays, who hasn’t played since last Thursday because of illness, was in the Orioles’ clubhouse on Tuesday morning but didn’t make the trip to Dunedin.