Orioles lose Andreoli on waiver claim

The Orioles' 40-man roster was full on Sunday, contained an opening on Monday, was filled again yesterday and has more space on it today.

The lack of front office hires, still on hold following the World Series, hasn't shut down business.

The Mariners claimed outfielder John Andreoli off waivers from the Orioles, who now have 39 players on the roster. Both clubs made the announcement this afternoon.

Baseball's circle of life has returned Andreoli to the Mariners after the Orioles selected him off waivers back on Aug. 18.

Another acquisition made by since-departed executive vice president Dan Duquette, Andreoli appeared in 23 games and batted .232/.279/.268 with two doubles in 61 plate appearances. He impressed with his speed and played all three outfield positions, though not exactly in a smooth manner.

Andreoli, 28, found more opportunities as veteran Adam Jones, now a free agent, took a seat on the bench. The Orioles evaluated him as a possible extra outfielder next spring and decided to remove him from the roster following the season.

Others will follow.

Pitcher Branden Kline had his contract selected yesterday, giving him the 40-man spot vacated by Jones, who officially became a free agent on Monday. Double-A pitcher Dillon Tate and catcher Martin Cervenka must be protected next month prior to the Rule 5 draft that's held on the final day of the Winter Meetings in Las Vegas, and left-hander Luis Gonzalez also is under consideration.

Four other spots must be created by Friday to accommodate Mark Trumbo, Richard Bleier, Pedro Araujo and Austin Hays after they're activated from the 60-day disabled list. Gabriel Ynoa is expected to go on outright waivers rather than join them.

Infielder Jace Peterson currently is on outright waivers.

Peterson is eligible for arbitration and MLBTradeRumors.com projects that he'll receive $1.3 million, a steep price for the Orioles to pay for a utility infielder. They could attempt to re-sign him to a minor league deal after he batted 195/.308/.325 with 13 doubles, two triples, three home runs and 28 RBIs in 93 games.

Selected off waivers from the Yankees on April 24, Peterson played third base, second base, shortstop, left field and right field and pitched one inning in an emergency relief role.

Left-hander Sean Gilmartin and infielder Corban Joseph also are at risk of coming off the roster.