Orioles sign outfielder Cooper Hummel, designate Vavra for assignment

BOSTON—The Orioles signed outfielder Cooper Hummel, who had opted out of a minor league contract with the New York Yankees. Hummel, who hit .159 with three home runs and 17 RBIs in 82 games from 2022-2024 for Arizona, Seattle and Houston, has played left and right field, and he has caught.

“I was about 30 minutes from signing a minor league deal somewhere and ended up coming here,” Hummel said. “My agent got a call and next thing I knew, I was on a plane to Boston. Pretty wild.”

The 30-year-old Hummel is not in the starting lineup for Sunday’s game.

“We have corner outfield need. That’s why we brought him in,” interim manager Tony Mansolino said. “Just more depth for the outfield, draws a walk. Has good control of the strike zone.”

Mansolino likes having a potential third catcher on the roster.

Hummel carries the label of a high-energy guy.

“It’s a cool reputation to have,” Hummel said. “Yeah, no, I’m high energy, a lot of excitement, a lot of work. I think the best thing I can do is just work my hardest every day and try to help the team, whatever that role might be. There’s a lot of really talented players in here. Whatever that role is, I know I’ll have to just be ready any day. As far as energy goes, I’ll be the same person every day, high energy and ready to go.”

To make room on the roster for Hummel, the Orioles designated infielder Terrin Vavra for assignment. Vavra was active for Saturday’s doubleheader but didn’t play.

Hiraldo gets his turn

The Orioles designated left-hander Cionel Pérez for assignment before Saturday’s second game and purchased the contract of 29-year-old right-hander Yiramil Hiraldo from Triple-A Norfolk.

Hiraldo, who did not appear in the game, was with the Orioles in spring training but did not appear in a game because of a right shoulder injury.

He was 1-0 with a 2.45 ERA in 11 games with Norfolk, Double-A Chesapeake and High-A Aberdeen.

“I feel like I’ve been pitching pretty well, but I still think I can pitch better,” he said. “I feel like they showed me a lot. They gave me a lot of support. They had a lot of faith in me.”

Hiraldo has played in the Arizona organization, Mexico and Independent ball.

“As a Dominican, I always say, ‘This is not just a game, this is something you’re born with in your heart. To be able to be here, it’s something I’m extremely thankful for.”

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