Hanhold outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk

Another player who had been designated for assignment by the Orioles is staying in the organization.

Pitcher Eric Hanhold has cleared waivers and been outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk, with the club making the announcement on Twitter.

The Orioles designated Hanhold for assignment on Tuesday to create room for shortstop José Iglesias on the 40-man roster.

Hanhold was a Sept. 16 waiver claim from the Mets, but he didn't pitch for the Orioles. They shut him down and now figure to invite him to spring training.

Unable to get back to the majors in 2019, Hanhold made 39 relief appearances at Triple-A Syracuse and registered a 4.62 ERA and 1.644 WHIP in 48 2/3 innings. He also pitched in nine games at Double-A Binghamton and posted a 1.23 ERA and 0.955 WHIP with two runs, nine hits, five walks and 18 strikeouts in 14 2/3 innings.

Thirty-one starts are included in Hanhold's 143 games in the minors, where he's registered a 4.64 ERA and 1.468 WHIP in 314 innings.

The Mets acquired Hanhold from the Brewers in September 2017 as a player to be named for infielder Neil Walker.

The Brewers selected Hanhold in the sixth round of the 2015 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of Florida, where one of his teammates was Orioles shortstop Richie Martin.

There is room in the bullpen to fit Hanhold, especially on a 26-man roster, if he impresses manager Brandon Hyde and his staff.

A lingering uncertainty is whether infielder Pat Valaika will clear waivers after the Orioles designated him for assignment Friday night while claiming infielder Richard Ureña off waivers from the Blue Jays.

Valaika could compete for a utility job in spring training if he stays.