SARASOTA, Fla. - Veteran reliever Luis Ayala threw a bullpen session today at Twin Lakes Park, and corner infielder Brett Wallace will be cleared to work out there Monday morning.
The Orioles announced today that they signed Ayala and Wallace to minor league deals.
Ayala, 36, struggled mightily with the Nats this spring. In six innings, he allowed nine runs and 10 hits and posted a 2.00 WHIP. But he was 5-5 with a 2.64 ERA in 66 games for the Orioles in 2012 and 1-1 with a 2.90 ERA in 37 games with the Braves last summer. He went on the disabled list in late April with an anxiety disorder reportedly linked to high blood pressure.
"Ayala had a good year for us and we're glad to have him back in the organization," said executive vice president Dan Duquette. "He pitched very well for the Braves last year in the second half of the season. He's a veteran pitcher and he could help our major league bullpen."
Wallace is a career .309/.383/.499 hitter in six minor league seasons and a .242/.313/.391 hitter in four major league seasons.
"Wallace is a left-handed power hitter and a former No. 1 pick of the Cardinals from Arizona State," Duquette said. "He has good capabilities to hit and he can play first base. He'll give us some depth.
"If you look at his numbers in the minors, he's hit over .300 there. It hasn't translated as effectively to the big leagues, so maybe a little more time will help with that. He can hit. He hit 24 home runs last year between Triple-A and the big leagues."
Infielder David Adams, claimed off waivers last night from the Indians, is flying to Florida this morning. He's on the major league roster, but it's unclear whether he will report to the Ed Smith Stadium complex or be optioned and head to Twin Lakes Park.
"We'll take care of that later today," Duquette said.
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