The Orioles have acquired right-hander Odrisamer Despaigne from the Padres for minor league pitcher Jean Cosme, according to industry sources.
Despaigne, 28, went 9-16 with a 4.74 ERA in parts of two major league seasons. He went 5-9 with a 5.80 ERA in 34 appearances, including 18 starts, in 2015.
Despaigne is a native of Cuba. He signed as an amateur free agent in 2014.
The Orioles selected Cosme in the 17th round of the 2014 draft. A native of Puerto Rico, the right-hander was 3-5 with a 4.74 ERA in 12 starts last year at short-season Single-A Aberdeen.
Despaigne has three minor league options and provides some pitching depth and flexibility for the Orioles, who continue their search for starting pitching.
"Despaigne should be a solid addition to our pitching staff," executive vice president Dan Duquette wrote in a text. "Very capable and crafty pitcher."
More to come.
Update: The Orioles designated left-hander C.J. Riefenhauser for assignment to create a spot for Despaigne on the 40-man roster. They acquired him from the Mariners along with Mark Trumbo on Dec. 2 for Steve Clevenger.
In 50 career major league games (34 starts), Despaigne is 9-16 with a 4.74 ERA and 134 strikeouts in 222 innings.
"Despaigne is a solid addition to our pitching staff because of his versatility," Duquette said. "Our scouts have liked him for some time. He has proven he can start and serve as a long-relief option out of the bullpen. Over the last two seasons in San Diego, he pitched 222 in 50 games, 34 of which he started. He is a good competitor and we expect him to compete for a spot in the back end of the rotation."
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