Clevenger wins backup job

SARASOTA, Fla. - It appears that the Orioles have made their final decision on a backup catcher. Steve Clevenger was told that he's going to head north with the club, according to a tweet from agent Joshua Kusnick. Here it is: "Congratulations to steve clevenger. He officially made the orioles" Sounds legit to me. And it's the obvious choice, given recent transactions and Clevenger's performance this spring. The Orioles have been checking outside the organization for available catchers, but Clevenger earned the job after going 12-for-28 with two doubles, a homer, six RBIs and six runs scored in 11 games. He's also been solid behind the plate, the deciding factor for manager Buck Showalter. Clevenger, 27 beat out Johnny Monell, who was designated for assignment today to make room for infielder Steve Lombardozzi on the 40-man roster. Caleb Joseph was reassigned yesterday to minor league camp. The Orioles acquired Clevenger and pitcher Scott Feldman from the Cubs on July 2 for pitchers Jake Arrieta and Pedro Strop. The Mount Saint Joseph graduate went 4-for-15 in four games last season. Feldman left as a free agent following the season, signing a three-year, $30 million deal with the Astros. Clevenger is a career .204/.262/.279 hitter in 83 major league games over parts of three seasons. He's also played first and third base in the majors and was a shortstop in high school.