Orioles claim John Andreoli off waivers

CLEVELAND - The Orioles have claimed outfielder John Andreoli off waivers from the Mariners today and optioned him to Triple-A Norfolk. The announcement came during batting practice before today's game against the Indians at Progressive Field.

The Mariners designated Andreoli, 28, for assignment on Friday after he batted .287/.397/.401 with 18 doubles, five triples, three home runs, 36 RBIs and 19 stolen bases in 89 games with Triple-A Tacoma.

Andreoli made his major league debut this summer and had one hit in five at-bats during three stints from May 23-28, July 7-9 and July 20. He's a right-handed hitter who's played all three outfield positions, with most of his experience in left.

Andreoli was on Tacoma's disabled list from April 22-May 2 with a sprained finger on his right hand.

The Mariners signed Andreoli as a minor league free agent on Dec. 8, 2017. The Cubs drafted him in the 17th round in 2011 out of the University of Connecticut and the Massachusetts native posted a .270 average and .373 on-base percentage in 773 minor league games over eight seasons.

Andreoli stole 55 bases in 75 attempts in 2012 with Single-A Dayton, and a combined 40 bases in 45 attempts the following summer at two levels. He totaled 33, 43 and 26 steals over three seasons with Triple-A Iowa.

"John Andreoli is a versatile and dependable outfielder who can play all three positions," executive vice president Dan Duquette wrote in a text message. "He possesses above-average base stealing, defensive and on-base skills."

The Tides lost Cedric Mullins last weekend after the Orioles selected his contract, creating an opening in their outfield.

Meanwhile, pitcher Jhan Mariñez will begin a rehab assignment Aug. 20 in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League. He's on the disabled list with a strained right hamstring.

Pitcher Hunter Harvey is throwing on the side down in Sarasota, according to manager Buck Showalter, after recovering from a shoulder injury.