Dwight Smith Jr. designated for assignment

The Orioles made more changes to their outfield prior to tonight's game. Dwight Smith Jr. has been designated for assignment and the club has selected Mason Williams' contract from the alternate camp site in Bowie.

Smith was batting .222/.306/.365 with three doubles and two home runs in 21 games and he experienced a few more lapses in left field. He got a late start in summer training camp based on a positive test for COVID-19 and rushed to make the opening day roster.

Smith was 2-for-18 in his last six games and 4-for-26 in his last eight.

Unable to provide value as a defender, Smith became a roster casualty and could be changing organizations.

The Orioles acquired Smith from the Blue Jays in March 2019 for international bonus slot money. He appeared in 101 games that season and batted .241/.297/.412 with 16 doubles, three triples, 13 home runs and 53 RBIs in 392 plate appearances.

Executive vice president/general manager Mike Elias said he's hoping that Smith stays in the organization. Teams are given the chance to claim Smith off waivers.

Williams offers more versatility on defense with his ability to play all three outfield positions. Smith was viewed only as a left fielder.

Williams appeared in 11 games with the Orioles on their expanded September roster and went 8-for-30. He didn't play after slamming into the fence and injuring his knee on Sept. 17.

The outfield is taking on a new look with Ryan Mountcastle making his major league debut last night and starting in left. Cedric Mullins is playing center in Austin Hays' absence.

Williams is wearing No. 38.

Elias indicated today on a Zoom conference call with the media that pitcher Keegan Akin could rejoin the club later from the alternate camp site. Akin is viewed as a starter, but his role later this summer could be long relief.

Pitcher Dean Kremer is "knocking on the door," Elias said, after recovering from a minor groin injury. Elias watched Kremer throw four innings recently at Bowie.

Hunter Harvey is throwing live batting practice at Bowie while recovering from a sore elbow and could be on the active roster later this month.

Elias also said he hasn't "heard any talk" of the Orioles shutting down Chris Davis for the remainder of the season with a knee injury.