Orioles sign Wandy Rodriguez

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

April 29, 2016, 7:16am

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Looking to bolster their pitching depth at the Triple-A level, the Orioles have signed veteran left-hander Wandy Rodriguez to a minor league contract.

Rodriguez will report to extended spring training in Sarasota and attempt to work his way back up to the majors. Being left-handed won't hurt his chances. The Orioles are sorely lacking in that department.

Orioles bags.jpg Rodriguez, 37, is 97-98 with a 4.10 ERA in 11 major league seasons with the Astros, Pirates and Rangers. He made 15 starts among his 17 appearances with Texas last summer, going 6-4 with a 4.90 ERA and 1.564 WHIP in 86 1/3 innings before his release in August.

The Royals signed him later in the month and released him on Nov. 20.

Rodriguez's best season came in 2009 with the Astros, when he was 14-12 with a 3.02 ERA in 33 starts over 205 2/3 innings. He made 30 or more starts in five of six seasons.

The Astros signed Rodriguez to a minor league deal in January and released him on April 11. He hasn't pitched this year outside of spring training.

The Norfolk rotation includes Odrisamer Despaigne, Nick Additon, Ariel Miranda and David Hale. Joe Gunkel is expected to be promoted from Double-A Bowie to fill the fifth spot.

The Orioles released right-hander Terry Doyle earlier this week.