Orioles claim Yolmer Sánchez off waivers (updated)

The Orioles have tossed an interesting name into their infield mix.

Former Gold Glove recipient Yolmer Sánchez was claimed off waivers today from the White Sox, increasing the 40-man roster to 33 players and leading to speculation over the team's plans for a few incumbents.

The Giants signed Sánchez, 28, as a free agent in January and granted his release on Aug. 21. The White Sox brought him back to the organization less than a week later and he went 5-for-16 with three doubles, a home run and seven runs scored.

A back injury near the end of summer training camp forced Sánchez to the Giants' alternate camp site and he never played for them.

The White Sox had non-tendered the switch-hitting Sánchez to avoid paying a projected $6.2 million in arbitration. He cleared waivers and settled for a minor league deal with the Giants.

Sánchez reportedly had turned down a few major league offers in order to increase his chances of starting at second base.

Known much more for his defense, Sánchez won a Gold Glove in 2019 after posting a league-leading 11 Defensive Runs Saved and a majors-best 5.0 Ulitmate Zone Rate/150 Games over 149 games. But he batted .252/.318/.321 in 555 plate appearances and was deemed too expensive for the White Sox.

Sánchez had registered 10 DRS and a 6.3 UZR/150 over 3,464 career innings at second base prior to rejoining the White Sox. He's a career .245/.300/.360 hitter in seven seasons.

Sánchez is eligible again for arbitration and under team control through 2022. He won his arbitration case against the White Sox in February 2018, getting a raise from $546,000 to $2.35 million rather than the team's $2.1 million offer.

He was paid $4.625 million in 2019.

Sánchez has made 414 appearances at second base, where Hanser Alberto is the current starter and eligible for arbitration, and 204 at third base. He's also made 16 appearances at shortstop, including 10 starts, and played two innings in right field.

The Orioles could allow Sánchez to compete for a utility job or consider him as an alternative to Alberto, who isn't in the same defensive class. Shortstop José Iglesias' contract includes a $3.5 million option and the Orioles haven't announced their decision on whether to exercise it.

Rio Ruiz made 50 starts at third base this season and struggled with his throws after impressing early.

Note: Major League Baseball announced today that the upcoming owners meetings and Winter Meetings have been postponed as in-person events. The agendas will be conducted remotely as necessary.

The media also is staying home.

The owners meetings had been scheduled for Nov. 17-19 in Arlington, Texas, and the Winter Meetings were supposed to be held Dec. 7-10 in Dallas.

Update: The Orioles announced that pitchers Kohl Stewart and Branden Kline refused their outright assignments and elected to become free agents. A mere formality, with both pitchers also eligible based on service time.