Orioles DFA Hanhold to create roster spot for Iglesias

The Orioles created a spot for shortstop José Iglesias today on the 40-man roster by designating pitcher Eric Hanhold for assignment.

The Iglesias deal is official. The Hanhold days might be numbered.

Iglesias agreed to terms yesterday on a one-year deal that guarantees $3 million and can inflate to $6 million if the Orioles pick up his 2021 option. He receives $2.5 million this season, confirmed yesterday by an industry source, with the other $500,000 coming via a buyout.

The infield is closer to being set with Iglesias viewed as the regular shortstop. Richie Martin can be optioned to Triple-A Norfolk after sticking on the active roster last year as a Rule 5 pick.

Hanser Alberto is projected as the second baseman with Jonathan Villar traded to the Marlins, but he also could share third base with Rio Ruiz.

The Orioles wanted a plus defender at shortstop and Iglesias rates among the best at the position.

Iglesias leads all shortstops with a .985 fielding percentage since 2015. Some sections of the Orioles organization were satisfied with Martin's defensive play, while others cited his poor metrics and the need for further honing at Triple-A.

They remain in his corner, but don't want to rush him beyond last year's Rule 5 requirements.

The Orioles claimed Hanhold off waivers from the Mets on Sept 16 and designated left-hander Ty Blach for assignment. He didn't pitch in the majors after making three appearances with the Mets in 2018 and allowing two runs and four hits in 2 1/3 innings.

Hanhold made 39 relief appearances last year at Triple-A Syracuse and registered a 4.62 ERA and 1.644 WHIP in 48 2/3 innings. He also was used in nine games at Double-A Binghamton and posted a 1.23 ERA and 0.955 WHIP with two runs, nine hits, five walks and 18 strikeouts in 14 2/3 innings.

The Orioles shut down Hanhold after claiming him. Now he's off the 40-man roster.