Ondrusek clears release waivers

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

March 17, 2017, 11:08am

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SARASOTA, Fla. - Reliever Logan Ondrusek's departure from the Orioles organization became official this afternoon.

The club announced that Ondrusek cleared release waivers and was released from his contract, making him a free agent eligible to sign with any team.

Ondrusek appeared in two games this spring and allowed two runs and two hits over two innings. He didn't pitch until March 3 due to an ankle injury sustained in fielding drills, and he never made it back on the mound after serving up a two-run homer in the ninth inning of a March 6 game against the Tigers in Lakeland.

Ondrusek felt pain his elbow while facing his last batter. Dr. James Andrews is supposed to examine him on Monday and surgery may be recommended.

The Orioles gave Ondrusek's locker to pitcher Gabriel Ynoa yesterday, a pretty clear sign that he wasn't returning.

Ondrusek signed a one-year, $650,000 contract with the Orioles in December that included an option for 2018. They declined his 2017 option before agreeing to terms on a new deal.

Signed out of Japan last summer, Ondrusek allowed seven runs and nine hits in 6 1/3 innings over seven appearances, and left-handers were 6-for-11 against him with three doubles and a home run.

Ynoa was charged with two runs and five hits today in 2 2/3 innings against the Pirates, walking one batter and striking out three. He's in the competition to replace Chris Tillman in the opening day rotation.

Defensive specialist Paul Janish collected hits in his first two at-bats, making him 6-for-10 with a double, home run and four RBIs in his last six games.