Orioles sign Giavotella to minor league deal

Manager Buck Showalter wants more infield depth in the minors, especially in the middle, and the Orioles made a move today to address the need.

The Orioles signed second baseman Johnny Giavotella to a minor league deal after the Angels outrighted him in August and non-tendered him three months later. He could compete with Ryan Flaherty for a utility job, but is more likely injury insurance.

Giavotella, 29, was the Angels' opening day second baseman the past two seasons. He batted .260/.287/.376 with 20 doubles, six home runs and 31 RBIs in 99 games last year and is a career .256/.295/.361 hitter in 353 games since the Royals made him a second-round pick in the 2008 draft out of the University of New Orleans.

The Angels acquired Giavotella on Dec. 19, 2014 for pitcher Brian Broderick.

Giavotella cleared waivers last summer and didn't appear in a game with the Angels after Aug. 14.

"Johnny for a time was an incredible spark plug for us, but just being able to play second base, his opportunities started to diminish," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said after Giavotella was designated for assignment. "Not being versatile, it was going to be tough, especially if we were not going to commit to him to play second base every day."

Giavotella has played one inning at shortstop in the majors. However, he's also played third base and left field in the minors.

Giavotella, who bats from the right side, is a career .305/.377/.438 hitter in eight minor league seasons.

FanRag Sports first reported the deal, which will pay Giavotella $1.1 million if he reaches the majors. The agreement includes incentives and opt-outs on March 27 and July 31.