Orioles sign Niko Goodrum and Burch Smith, plus other notes

The Orioles announced two more minor league signings today, agreeing to terms with infielder Niko Goodrum and right-hander Burch Smith.

Goodrum, 32, appeared in nine games with the Rays and four with the Angels this season and went 3-for-29 with 10 strikeouts. The Pirates selected him on waivers June 10 and he was granted his release a week later.

In parts of seven major league seasons, Goodrum has batted .224/.297/.383 with 76 doubles, 11 triples, 42 home runs and 152 RBIs in 415 games and also played every infield and outfield position. He broke into the majors with the Twins in 2017, played for the Tigers from 2018-21 and appeared in 15 games with the Astros in 2022.

Goodrum spent 2023 between Triple-A Worcester in the Red Sox’s system and with Lotte in the Korea Baseball Organization.

Smith, 34, made 25 relief appearances with the Marlins this year and posted a 4.25 ERA and 1.618 WHIP in 29 2/3 innings. He pitched in Japan in 2022 and Korea in 2023.

Smith began his major league career with the Padres in 2013 and didn’t pitch in the majors again until 2018 with the Royals, who selected him in the Rule 5 draft. He made a combined 17 appearances with the Brewers and Giants in 2019 and 37 with the Athletics in 2020-21.

The total body of work amounts to a 5.79 ERA and 1.568 WHIP in 127 games. He’s made 13 starts but none since 2018.

Smith missed two years after undergoing Tommy John surgery and suffering an elbow fracture during his rehab. His fastball used to touch 100 mph.

* Adley Rutschman is out of tonight’s lineup with a bruised right hand but the discomfort gradually is subsiding. He was struck by a foul tip and had the hand wrapped in ice after the game.

“When I first saw it last night when I went out there it was noticeable, the laces on the knuckle, and swelled up a little bit, and he hit a homer,” said manager Brandon Hyde. “We X-rayed it and it was negative. That was a big sigh of relief.

“He feels better right now than he did when he woke up, but it’s still a little bit sore.”

* The Orioles recalled left-hander Matt Krook today from Triple-A Norfolk and placed Corbin Burnes on the paternity list. Krook allowed one run and struck out seven batters in spring training after the Orioles acquired him from the Yankees in a cash transaction, and he’s registered a 3.71 ERA and 1.350 WHIP in 26 2/3 innings with Norfolk over 26 appearances.

Control can be an issue. He’s walked 17 batters.

“It’s kind of an unusual-look lefty reliever,” Hyde said. “We saw him quite a bit in spring with us. Pitching fairly well in Norfolk. He’s had some really good appearances. He had a couple where it kind of affected his numbers, but for the most part he’s been really good in Triple-A.

“Allows us to get an extra left-hander here in the bullpen. I can match up him with some guys and hopefully give us a little lift.”

Burnes started last night, holding the Rangers to one run in seven innings, and his next turn would come Wednesday against the Mariners unless the rotation is adjusted. The Orioles don’t play Monday and Dean Kremer is expected to be reinstated from the injured list.

Hyde said Burnes will meet the club in Seattle and a decision will be made on his start date.

“Hoping for the best with him and his wife, obviously, and that goes smoothly,” Hyde said.

* Double-A Bowie infielder Max Wagner went on the seven-day injured list with a lower-back ailment.