Orioles DFA Almanzar

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

June 30, 2014, 10:33am

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The Orioles have reinstated infielder Michael Almanzar from the 60-day disabled list and designated him for assignment.

Almanzar, 23, joined the organization via the Rule 5 draft from the Red Sox on Dec. 12, 2013. The Orioles placed him on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 23, with left patellar tendinitis and transferred to the 60-day DL on June 6.

Despite needing a third baseman while Manny Machado serves his five-game suspension, the Orioles didn't consider Almanzar to be a suitable replacement for the Platinum Glove winner. Almanzar also can play first base, though he's not regarded as a plus-defender, and the Orioles have a surplus of right-handed bats who can fill the designated hitter role.

Almanzar appeared in a total of nine games with three affiliates - the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League team, Single-A Frederick and Triple-A Norfolk. He went 5-for-32 with three doubles, one home run and four RBIs.

The knee injury occurred while Almanzar was playing first base in an exhibition game.

Any team acquiring Almanzar must keep him on the roster all season. He retains Rule 5 status and can't be optioned to the minors without passing through waivers and being offered back to his original team.