Francisco Peña outrighted to Norfolk

The Orioles' catching depth didn't take a hit this week.

Francisco Peña cleared waivers today and accepted an outright assignment to Triple-A Norfolk. The Orioles designated him for assignment on May 17 to create a spot for reliever Stefan Crichton on the 25-man roster.

In the process, they also freed up another spot on the 40-man roster, which now stands at 39 after they selected infielder Paul Janish's contract from Norfolk on Sunday.

Peña went 4-for-7 with two home runs with the Orioles this season, his promotion coming after they placed catcher Welington Castillo on the disabled list with right shoulder tendinitis. They carried three catchers for one night in Detroit before removing Peña.

Peña was 9-for-31 (.290) with a double and home run in 10 games with Norfolk, where he backed up top position prospect Chance Sisco.

The Orioles also designated Peña for assignment in February, allowing him to decline another outright assignment this week. However, he accepted it and remains in the organization.

The catching depth also includes Audry Perez, who's currently on the disabled list at Double-A Bowie with a second-degree MCL strain in his knee, and the Baysox's Austin Wynns, who's batting .317/.413/.452 in 35 games and is regarded as having plus defensive skills.

The Orioles acquired Armando Araiza, considered a good "catch-and-throw guy," from the Braves on May 4 in a cash transaction, and he's 6-for-17 (.353) with two doubles in five games with Norfolk.

The Orioles haven't posted their lineup or announced any changes to their pitching staff, though they seem likely to add at least one fresh arm.

Mark Trumbo has four consecutive multi-hit games and a team-leading 17 this season.

Trey Mancini is batting .310 (13-for-42) in 13 home games this season.