Orioles DFA Cortes and recall Ramirez, Rasmus has MRI on hip

The Orioles are down to one Rule 5 pick and one left-hander in their bullpen.

Nestor Cortes Jr. was designated for assignment this afternoon following another rough outing last night, and the Orioles recalled right-hander Yefry Ramirez from Triple-A Norfolk.

Ramirez will be in the bullpen tonight as the Orioles continue their series against the Blue Jays at Camden Yards.

Cortes, chosen from the Yankees organization on the final day of the Winter Meetings, surrendered his second grand slam last night while facing Josh Donaldson in the ninth inning. He issued a base-loaded walk to Curtis Granderson to set up the slam.

Josh Reddick hit a grand slam off Cortes last Tuesday in Houston.

Cortes was charged with four runs and 10 hits over 4 2/3 innings, with four walks and three strikeouts, and opponents batted .455 against him in four games. He let all six inherited runners score.

The Orioles are hoping that Cortes clears waivers and they can work out a trade with the Yankees. Otherwise, he returns to his original organization.

"Nestor is capable of better," said manager Buck Showalter, "and we'd still like to have him."

Pedro Araujo is the only Rule 5 pitcher remaining with the Orioles. They returned Jose Mesa Jr. to the Yankees.

Ramirez started for the Tides Friday night and is available tonight. He skipped his work day.

Showalter wanted another right-handed in the 'pen against the Blue Jays, which also explains Hunter Harvey's arrival yesterday. Richard Bleier is the only left-hander among the relief crew and he doesn't appear to be available tonight after appearing in the last three games in New York and working three innings on Sunday.

The alignment will change before the Orioles open their four-game series Friday night in Boston. Showalter also would like to get back to a seven-man bullpen and four-man bench.

Outfielder Colby Rasmus underwent an MRI on his left hip this afternoon and the Orioles are waiting for the results. They want to make sure that the five-to-eight day timetable hasn't changed.

Rasmus injured his hip, which required a surgical procedure in October 2016, after catching his spikes in the grass. The injury is classified as a left hip flexor strain.

Mark Trumbo is batting third and serving as the designated hitter tonight at Double-A Bowie.

Alex Cobb will have his workday Wednesday at Bowie and start Saturday against the Red Sox. He can't join the Orioles before Thursday's off-day.

Gabriel Ynoa remains on the disabled list with a "right shin stress reaction," but he's apparently also experienced some shoulder soreness.

For the Blue Jays
Curtis Granderson LF
Josh Donaldson 3B
Justin Smoak 1B
Yangervis Solarte DH
Steve Pearce RF
Russell Martin C
Kevin Pillar CF
Devon Travis 2B
Aledmys Diaz SS

Aaron Sanchez RHP