Orioles option Gutiérrez to Triple-A Norfolk

An off-day for the Orioles didn't deter them from making a roster move.

The club announced today that it optioned infielder Kelvin Gutiérrez to Triple-A Norfolk. The second half of the transaction is withheld until Friday, when the Orioles begin a three-game series against the Nationals at Camden Yards.

Gutiérrez showed off a strong arm at third base but was 4-for-23 (.174) with two RBIs, two walks and nine strikeouts in eight games. The Orioles purchased his contract from the Royals on July 3.

Third baseman Maikel Franco has appeared in one game on his injury rehab assignment, going 0-for-1 on Tuesday with a walk, sacrifice fly and fielding error with the Florida Complex League orange team. He wasn't in today's lineup.

Coby Mayo, the fourth-round pick in 2020 out of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., started at third base and hit his first professional home run. He also singled and had two RBIs before the game against the Braves was delayed.

The FCL black team's game against the Pirates in Sarasota was canceled today.

Perhaps Franco is ready to come off the injured list after spraining his right ankle June 30 in Houston, following back-to-back three-hit games. He's batting .221/.265/.376 with 18 doubles, nine home runs and 42 RBIs in 309 plate appearances.

A position player must be added to the roster, which is down to two reserves with Gutíerrez gone.

The roster shuffling was intense yesterday with pitcher Keegan Akin and outfielder Anthony Santander placed on the COVID-19 injured list. Pitcher Alexander Wells and outfielder Ryan McKenna were recalled from Norfolk.

The Orioles might be able to provide updates on Akin and Santander prior to Friday's game.

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before Sunday's game against the Nationals.

Sonsy Gaba, mother of Orioles superfan Mo Gaba, will throw out the first pitch Wednesday on the one-year anniversary of his passing.