Orioles sign Andy Oliver, Dana Eveland to Triple-A deals

The Orioles signed a pair of veteran left-handers to minor league contracts this week.

Andy Oliver and former Oriole Dana Eveland agreed to deals and were assigned to Triple-A Norfolk, according to a club official.

Oliver exercised his opt-out clause after going 1-1 with a 3.86 ERA in 25 relief appearances with Triple-A Durham, the Rays' top affiliate. He walked 24 and struck out 32 in 28 innings.

Oliver, 27, is 0-5 with a 7.11 ERA and 1.832 WHIP in seven career starts with the Tigers in 2010-2011. He's a former second-round pick in the 2009 First-Year Player Draft out of Oklahoma State.

Oliver has averaged 5.9 walks and 9.3 strikeouts per nine innings over six minor league seasons.

The Braves released Eveland, 31, after designating him for assignment on July 5. He gave up two runs and five hits in 3 1/3 innings, with three walks and four strikeouts, over 10 relief appearances.

Eveland also made 16 relief appearances at Triple-A Pawtucket, the Red Sox's top affiliate, and allowed four runs and 17 hits in 23 1/3 innings, with three walks and 20 strikeouts. He opted out of his contract and signed with the Braves.

The Orioles acquired Eveland from the Dodgers in December 2011 for minor league pitcher Jarret Martin and infielder Tyler Henson. He went 0-1 with a 4.73 ERA in 14 games including two starts.

Eveland has pitched for nine major league teams over 10 seasons, going 20-27 with a 5.27 ERA in 423 1/3 innings.

Michael Bowden exercised his opt-out clause yesterday to free up one spot on Norfolk's pitching staff.

The Tides' roster also includes left-handers T.J. McFarland, Cesar Cabral, Chris Jones and Pat McCoy, but the Orioles wanted to improve their depth.

Kevin Gausman is starting tonight for Norfolk and is expected to rejoin the Orioles for Wednesday night's game at Yankee Stadium.

Online betting site Bovada has adjusted its odds of the Orioles winning the World Series from 20/1 to 25/1. The Royals are now the favorites at 6/1.

In case you missed it, the Orioles learned that second-rounder Jonathan Hughes, a right-handed pitcher from Flowery Branch (Ga.) High School, has elected to attend Georgia Tech. The deadline to sign picks is 5 p.m. today.

The Orioles reportedly will receive the 69th pick in next year's draft as compensation. They signed 35 off their 41 selections.