Orioles sign Janish to minor league deal (updated with quote)

BRADENTON, Fla. - The Orioles aren't done making roster moves in spring training or seeking ways to improve their infield depth.

Veteran Paul Janish has signed a minor league deal that includes an invitation to spring training, returning him to the organization after it appeared that the Orioles have moved on from him.

Janish, 34, has played in 14 games with the Orioles in each of the past two seasons. He batted .286/.278/.371 in 2015 and .194/.286/.226 in 2016.

Manager Buck Showalter values Janish for his plus defense at shortstop and wanted to keep him. Janish stayed on the market until today and now provides more insurance while J.J. Hardy remains shut down.

Hardy said his back is much better, but he still hasn't been cleared to participate in baseball activities.

Second baseman Jonathan Schoop leaves Tuesday for the World Baseball Classic and third baseman Manny Machado departs on March 5, another reason why the Orioles need to bring more infielders to camp.

The Orioles already have signed middle infielders Robert Andino and Johnny Giavotella and corner infielder Chris Johnson to minor league deals. They could comprise three-fourths of Triple-A Norfolk's infield, though Janish's signing clouds the picture.

Janish batted .248/.333/.280 last year in 76 games with Norfolk. He's spent parts of eight seasons in the majors with the Reds, Braves and Orioles.

Executive vice president Dan Duquette has been busy since the Orioles reported to the Ed Smith Stadium complex. Within a span of four days, he signed outfielders Craig Gentry and Michael Bourn and traded for pitchers Vidal Nuño and Richard Bleier.

Today's trip to Bradenton also brought another roster move.

"Paul Janish is a qualified major league infielder and a good team member who should help the Orioles this year," Duquette wrote in a text message.