Orioles trade Monell to Dodgers

One day after optioning catcher Steve Clevenger to Triple-A Norfolk, the Orioles have traded Tides catcher Johnny Monell to the Dodgers for cash considerations. Monell, 28, was batting .209/.280/.286 with four doubles, one home run and seven RBIs in 30 games at Norfolk. He will report to the Dodgers' Triple-A affiliate in Albuquerque. The Orioles purchased Monell's contract from the Giants on Nov. 30. He lost the backup competition to Clevenger, who was optioned yesterday after first baseman Chris Davis came off paternity leave. Besides his issues at the plate, Monell wasn't deemed strong enough defensively to earn a promotion. The Orioles designated Monell for assignment late in spring training to open a 40-man roster spot for infielder Steve Lombardozzi. He cleared outright waivers and was assigned to Norfolk. Clevenger and Brian Ward will handle the catching duties at Norfolk. The Orioles want Clevenger to get regular at-bats and work on his defensive skills, one reason why they optioned him and kept Caleb Joseph as the backup to newly acquired Nick Hundley. Another catcher could be optioned to Norfolk if Matt Wieters avoids elbow surgery and returns to the active roster. He still hasn't been cleared to throw. MLB Daily Dish first reported the trade.