Orioles sign four to minor league contracts

The Orioles announced four minor league signings, including three players who stay in the organization after becoming free agents.

Left-handers Jayson Aquino and Andrew Faulkner and corner infielder Aderlin Rodriguez agreed to terms, as did right-hander Tim Melville, the lone outsider in the group.

Melville, who's 28 and a former fourth-round pick, has appeared in six major league games with the Reds, Twins and Padres since 2016. He made one start for the Twins this summer, allowing five runs in 3 1/3 innings on Aug. 21 against the White Sox, and surrendered two earned runs (three total) in 2 1/3 relief innings with San Diego after a waiver claim.

Melville is 37-59 with a 4.58 ERA in nine minor league seasons, the first six in the Royals system. He signed with the Tigers as a free agent in November 2014 and the Reds a year later.

Aquino, 25, could be tossed into the camp competition for a fifth starter on a club desperate for a left-hander. The Orioles designated him for assignment on Sept. 5 to make room for outfielder Austin Hays on the 40-man roster.

Impressive in spring training and routinely praised by manager Buck Showalter, Aquino went 1-2 with a 7.43 ERA in four games (two starts) with the Orioles. He was 3-10 with a 4.24 ERA in 21 starts with Triple-A Norfolk.

Faulkner, 25, was designated for assignment on Sept. 8 after the Orioles activated shortstop J.J. Hardy from the 60-day disabled list. He was 3-0 with a 2.79 ERA in 34 games with Norfolk, allowing only one home run in 38 2/3 innings and holding opponents to a .216 average. Left-handers posted a .208 average against him.

The search figures to continue for a left-handed reliever, but Faulkner's return deepens the pool of candidates.

The Orioles had assigned Faulkner to the Arizona Fall League before the transaction. They acquired him from the Rangers on April 6 for cash considerations.

We share the same Sept. 12 birthday, but I digress ...

Rodriguez, 26, batted .279/.341/.471 with 25 doubles, one triple, 22 home runs and 76 RBIs in 125 games at Double-A Bowie. He hit .304/.359/.532 with 23 doubles, six triples, 26 home runs and 93 RBIs in 130 games with Single-A Frederick in 2016.