Orioles claim Phoenix Sanders off waivers (plus notes)

The Orioles are adding a new reliever to the bullpen, claiming right-hander Phoenix Sanders from the Rays earlier today.

Sanders won’t report before Thursday. He’s filling the vacant spot on the 40-man roster.

The Rays designated Sanders, 27, for assignment two days ago. He made eight appearances this season as a rookie and allowed five runs and 12 hits with three walks and 12 strikeouts in 14 2/3 innings.

Sanders, who was born in Germany, has registered a 3.35 ERA and 1.151 WHIP in five minor league seasons. He’s struck out 313 batters in 258 innings, walked 71 and surrendered only 28 home runs.

The 2022 season didn’t go smoothly at Triple-A Durham. Sanders posted a 5.40 ERA and 1.367 WHIP in 25 appearances, though he walked only two batters and struck out 36 in 30 innings.

The Rays drafted Sanders in the 10^th round in 2017 out of the University of South Florida. His last appearance in the majors was July 10 in Cincinnati, where he allowed three runs in 1 2/3 innings.  

Sanders’ last minor league game was Saturday in Norfolk. Gunnar Henderson hit a two-run homer.

The Orioles get another chance tonight to move seven games above .500 after failing in four previous attempts. And perhaps they can gain more ground in the wild card race.

They’re 2 ½ games back for the last spot, but the Twins’ four-game losing streak has dropped them to four. The White Sox are five behind.

Cedric Mullins has eight bunt hits, and 22 since 2020 to lead the majors.

Adley Rutschman has 43 walks in his first 74 career games, tied with Curt Blefary (1965) for the most in Orioles history.

Spenser Watkins started against the White Sox on June 25 in his first game after leaving the injured list, and he held them to an unearned run in five innings.

The Orioles have won 18 of their last 24 home games. They clinched a season series win over the White Sox for the first time since 2017.

Top pitching prospect Grayson Rodriguez “successfully” completed a live batting practice session today at the Ed Smith Stadium complex, according to the Orioles.

Travis Lakins Sr.’s rehab assignment is moving to Double-A Bowie, where he’ll pitch tonight.

White Sox right-hander Lucas Giolito is 9-7 with a 5.34 ERA and 1.530 WHIP in 22 games. He’s averaging 10.4 hits and 10.2 strikeouts per nine innings.

Giolito’s last start resulted in seven runs and eight hits allowed to the Astros in only three innings. Right-handers are batting .336/.389/.589 against him, while left-handers are slashing .230/.300/.342.

His ERA is 6.71 in 10 home starts and 4.16 in 12 road games.

Giolito owns a career 6.41 ERA and 1.678 WHIP in four starts against the Orioles. He’s allowed 14 earned runs (16 total) and 23 hits in 19 2/3 innings.

Mullins is 6-for-10 with two doubles and a triple against Giolito.