Orioles release Adam Greenberg (updated)

The interesting story of Adam Greenberg possibly playing for the Orioles came to an end this morning when the club released the 32-year-old outfielder. He had been signed as a minor league free agent on Dec. 22. Greenberg's emotional story led to him getting a one-day contract and one big league at-bat with the Miami Marlins last Oct. 2. An online petition led to the move for Greenberg, who had first made the majors in 2005 with the Cubs, but got hit in the head with a 92-mph fastball on the first pitch he saw in the majors. It took him seven years and that one at-bat to get back and it was quite the comeback story. But the story won't continue with the Orioles. Greenberg was originally drafted by the Cubs in the ninth round out of North Carolina in 2002. He had played mostly in independent ball since 2008. Greenberg struck out on three pitches against the Mets' R.A. Dickey in his comeback at-bat. His one-day contract was worth $2,623, which was donated to an organization that researches brain trauma in athletes. Click here to read the story of that at-bat last October. "This was more about the players we have that are likely to be our Triple-A outfielders," O's director of player development Brian Graham said of the move. "Adam played well at camp, but there are just some guys ahead of him. They are players we value as major league-caliber outfielders that were ahead of him. "He was respectful and completely understood because he knows the names of the players we are talking about. I'm not sure what his next step will be." The Orioles today also released catcher Joe Oliveira, their 15th-round pick in 2010. He hit .209 in 72 games at Single-A Frederick in 2012. This brings the total number of minor league players released today to 10 and 24 since March 21. Click here to see my post from earlier this morning on the other players released today. All these moves have made for a turbulent day today at Twin Lakes Park. "Not a good day," Graham said of having to release 10 players citing the fact the moves also impact the players' family and friends.