Orioles DFA Paul Janish

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

July 08, 2017, 9:09am

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MINNESOTA - Infielder Paul Janish is back in limbo. But at least it's close to home.

The Orioles designated Janish for assignment this afternoon to create room for pitcher Chris Tillman on the 25-man roster. Tillman came off the paternity list and is available in the bullpen.

Janish has multiple outrights and can refuse the assignment if he clears waivers. However, he's likely to stay, as he's done previously.

The Orioles want to keep Janish in the organization and start him again at shortstop at Triple-A Norfolk. He's one of manager Buck Showalter's "trustworthy players."

The other candidate to be removed from the roster, infielder RubÃ©n Tejada, also is out of minor league options. Otherwise, he likely would have been sent down.

Janish is 2-for-26 with three RBIs this season. He'll return home to Houston and play the usual waiting game.

"Hopefully, he'll clear and be back in Norfolk," Showalter said.

"It's tough, but somebody's got to go. Had four or five options and that's the one that was decided on."

The Orioles selected Janish's contract on May 21 while infielder Ryan Flaherty went on the disabled list with strained right shoulder, and again on June 19 while placing shortstop J.J. Hardy on the disabled list with a fractured wrist.

Flaherty has resumed throwing down in Sarasota, according to Showalter. Hardy is scheduled to see a hand specialist on Wednesday.