Orioles select Jace Peterson's contract

Jace Peterson's strange journey since last season has brought him to Anaheim.

The Orioles selected Peterson's contract today from Triple-A Norfolk and he's available for tonight's series opener against the Angels. He's wearing No. 23.

He might be surprised to be wearing orange and black again.

Peterson, 29, is taking the roster spot vacated by third baseman Rio Ruiz. The Orioles optioned Ruiz following yesterday's 5-2 loss in Arizona.

The 40-man roster now holds 39 players with the addition of Peterson, who slashed .313/.398/.512 with 25 doubles, five triples, 10 home runs and 26 RBIs in 90 games with Norfolk.

According to the Tides' notes, Peterson hit safely in 12 straight games and went 20-for-42 (.476) with a .577 on-base percentage, five doubles, four home runs and eight RBIs in that span.

Peterson opted out of his contract on July 16, a few days after being named the International League's Batter of the Week. He signed a new deal three days later.

The Orioles outrighted Peterson off the 40-man roster on Nov. 1 after he batted .195/.308/.325 in 93 games. He elected free agency, but agreed to a new deal later in the month.

Peterson has started at every infield and outfield position and now joins the mix at third base with Ruiz gone. His left-handed bat can complement the right-handed strokes of Renato Núñez and Hanser Alberto - for however long that he remains with the Orioles.

Ruiz is considered the better fielder of the group and could return later, after joining his wife for the birth of their first child.

Peterson wasn't in Norfolk's lineup last night or today, a pretty strong hint that the Orioles were selecting his contract and flying him to the West Coast.

With the Angels starting rookie left-hander José Suarez, Peterson is likely to be on the bench tonight while Núñez or Alberto gets the start at third base. The Orioles can use the designated hitter again now that they're playing in an American League ballpark.