Orioles trade Breyvic Valera to Giants

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

January 05, 2019, 2:51pm

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The Orioles needed only one day to resolve their situation with infielder Breyvic Valera.

Valera has been traded to the Giants for cash considerations, with both teams making the announcement. He was designated for assignment yesterday after the Orioles claimed pitcher Austin Brice off waivers from the Angels.

A spot had to be opened for Brice on the 40-man roster and Valera was the casualty. The Orioles could have attempted to pass him through waivers, but they worked out a trade.

Former executive vice president Dan Duquette acquired Valera from the Dodgers at the non-waiver deadline along with outfielder Yusniel DÃaz, infielder Rylan Bannon and pitchers Dean Kremer and Zach Pop for shortstop Manny Machado. Valera is the first of the 15 players obtained during the July purge to leave the organization.

Valera appeared in 12 games with the Orioles and went 10-for-35 with a triple and four RBIs before fracturing his left index finger on Sept. 23 at Yankee Stadium. He became expendable after the Orioles claimed Rio Ruiz off waivers from the Braves at the Winter Meetings, selected Richie Martin in the Rule 5 draft and traded for Drew Jackson.

Steve Wilkerson also could compete for a roster spot in spring training.

The increase in infield depth appears to satisfy executive vice president and general manager Mike Elias, though the Orioles discussed shortstop options at the Winter Meetings and could bring in a veteran.

Valera is reunited with Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi, who served as the Dodgers' general manager when they acquired him from the Cardinals in April.