Sucre outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk

CHICAGO - Jesús Sucre is staying in the Orioles organization, giving them a veteran catcher as insurance for a roster that is susceptible to change.

The Orioles announced this afternoon that Sucre cleared waivers and accepted his outright assignment to Triple-A Norfolk rather than becoming a free agent.

Sucre was designated for assignment Sunday after breaking camp as the starter. He batted .210/.269/.242 with two doubles and three RBIs in 20 games after agreeing to a minor league deal on Feb. 5, and also threw out four of eight runners attempting to steal.

The body of work also included a scoreless inning of relief in his sixth career appearance on the mound.

The Orioles wanted to promote Austin Wynns from Norfolk and Pedro Severino is out of minor league options, leading to the decision to remove Sucre. They wanted to retain him, however, and were able to do it.

"We wanted to get Austin Wynns here," manager Brandon Hyde told the media Sunday after the moves were announced. "Suc has been awesome since he's been here and he brings a ton on the field, he brings a ton in the clubhouse. So I really enjoyed having him.

"I hope that he gets a major league job. If not, I would, obviously, love to have him back and back up here. We're excited to have Austin here. At the same time, tough to see Suc go."

The Tides' roster includes Chance Sisco and veteran Carlos Pérez, who moved up from Double-A Bowie after Wynn joined the Orioles. Pérez could return to the Eastern League.

Sisco hit his first home run today in Durham and is batting .224/.314/.316 in 20 games. Sucre could serve as a mentor to Sisco while also trying to get back to the majors.

Sucre, celebrating his 31st birthday today, has earned praise throughout the organization for his work behind the plate, and for his attitude. Severino also receives high marks in those areas - and no one questions his toughness after he was twice struck in the groin last night while blocking Tanner Scott pitches in the dirt - and he's homered in four of his last six starts to match his total in 105 games with the Nationals.

The Orioles claimed Severino off waivers from the Nationals on March 23, and he headed north with them while Wynns was placed on the injured list with a strained oblique.

Sucre hasn't played in the minors since appearing in 29 games with Triple-A Tacoma in 2016. He's going to get another chance to catch Scott after the Orioles optioned the left-hander following last night's loss.