Orioles make room for Dubin by designating Contreras for assignment

BALTIMORE—The Orioles needed to make room for reliever Shawn Dubin on the 26-man roster and decided to designate for assignment Roansy Contreras, the right-hander who pitched well on Wednesday night against the Boston Red Sox.

Contreras, who relieved opener Dietrich Enns, threw 4 1/3 scoreless innings, giving up three hits, walking one and striking out two.

“Those are tough decisions,” interim manager Tony Mansolino said. “There was a lot of time spent on that, to figure out what the right thing to do was. The coach in me wants him to get claimed because we want our players to play in the big leagues and get opportunities. The Baltimore Oriole in me wants him to get through, be unclaimed and be back in the fold for us.”

Contreras has plenty of experience in the DFA world. He was the property of five different teams in the offseason — the Angels, Rangers, Reds, Yankees and Orioles.

Dubin, who was claimed off waivers on Tuesday from Houston, goes to the bullpen.

“He’s in the mix,” Mansolino said. “As you can see, there’s a lot of open roles down in the ‘pen. We’re just trying to figure out the best pieces and the best spots …. He will be in the mix. If he pitches well, he’ll be in leverage.”

Dubin’s most recent appearance for the Astros was against the Orioles last Friday when he allowed two runs on three hits in 1 2/3 innings.

“I’m excited to be here. You guys touched me up pretty good last time,” Dubin said. “It’s good to be on this side of it.”

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