Orioles option Valencia

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

July 24, 2013, 2:14pm

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The Orioles are adding a reliever for tonight's game in Kansas City and subtracting a bench player. To make room for right-hander Francisco Rodriguez on the 25-man roster, the Orioles have chosen to option corner infielder/designated hitter Danny Valencia to Triple-A Norfolk, according to a team official. The move leaves the Orioles with a three-man bench and eight-man bullpen. Valencia is 0-for-22 since June 17. He's batting .200/.243/.443 with five doubles, four homers and eight RBIs in 24 games this season. Valencia was recalled on Friday when the Orioles placed another right-handed hitter, outfielder Nolan Reimold, on the disabled list. Reimold was transferred to the 60-day disabled list last night to create room for Rodriguez on the 40-man roster. With Valencia optioned, Henry Urrutia will serve as the designated hitter on a more regular basis. Reliever Jairo Asencio was a candidate to be removed from the roster today, but he's staying with the club. He's allowed one run and two hits, with two walks and two strikeouts, in 1 1/3 innings over three appearances since having his contract selected from Norfolk on July 12. The Orioles don't figure to stay with a short bench for an extended period. It's just the current arrangement.