Orioles option Austin Wynns to Triple-A Norfolk

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

April 17, 2019, 10:28am

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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The Orioles didn't need much convincing about catcher Austin Wynns' readiness to play on a regular basis.

Wynns was reinstated from the 10-day injured list this afternoon and optioned to Triple-A Norfolk after only four injury rehab games.

A strained oblique and placement on the IL denied Wynns a shot at breaking camp with the Orioles. He went 2-for-5 with two RBIs last night for Double-A Bowie and was 5-for-17 with two doubles and four RBIs.

Wynns has been catching nine innings, removing any lingering concerns about his health.

The Tides aren't suffering from a catching shortage with Chance Sisco and Carlos PÃ©rez also on their roster. They probably won't carry three for an entire summer.

In the meantime, manager Gary Kendall can figure out how to keep them engaged, perhaps using the designated hitter spot.

Norfolk had three catchers on its initial roster until the Orioles traded Andrew Susac to the Royals on April 2 in exchange for cash considerations.

The major league roster includes catchers JesÃºs Sucre and Pedro Severino, touted for their work behind the plate with limited contributions offensively.

Severino is out of options and would have to pass through waivers in order to go down to the minors. The Orioles claimed him from the Nationals on March 23.

Wynns appeared in 42 games with the Orioles as a rookie last season and batted .255/.287/.382 with two doubles and four home runs. He was 1-for-8 in six exhibition games before suffering the oblique injury in batting practice.