Orioles claim Alex Burnett from Blue Jays (updated)

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

April 12, 2013, 10:33am

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NEW YORK - The Orioles just can't get enough minor league pitching. The club announced today that it claimed right-hander Alex Burnett off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays and optioned him to Triple-A Norfolk. To make room for Burnett on the 40-man roster, infielder Wilson Betemit has been transferred to the 60-day disabled list. Burnett, 25, is 3-4 with a 4.61 ERA in 174 major league games with the Minnesota Twins from 2010-12. In eight minor league seasons in the Twins and Blue Jays systems, Burnett was 28-24 with a 3.40 ERA over 522 innings. The Twins selected Burnett in the 12th round of the 2005 First-Year Player Draft out of Ocean View High School in Huntington Beach, Calif. Betemit figured to eventually be moved to the 60-day DL. He's recovering from a torn PCL in his right knee. Update: Executive vice president Dan Duquette views Burnett as a pitcher who "gives us a little more depth and experience with the (Luis) Ayala trade to support our major league bullpen." "He's a big leaguer," Duquette added. "He's got a good sinker, slider and overhand curve. We'll see." Burnett will have to work his way back up to the majors.