Orioles acquire left-hander Daniel Rodriguez

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

January 23, 2015, 2:55pm

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The Orioles made a minor deal tonight, acquiring left-hander Daniel Rodriguez from the Braves for cash considerations.

Executive vice president Dan Duquette said Rodriguez will be assigned to Triple-A Norfolk's roster. He won't receive an invitation to spring training, "but we'll probably take a look at him," Duquette said.

Rodriguez, 30, was 6-13 with a 5.04 ERA and 1.464 WHIP in 29 appearances (21 starts) last season for Triple-A Gwinnett. Left-handed hitters posted a .241/.308/.345 slash line against him.

Bullpen coach Dom Chiti is familiar with Rodriguez and likes his breaking ball, Duquette said.

Rodriguez spent parts of seven seasons in the Mexican League before appearing in two games with Gwinnett in 2012. He went 3-3 with a 5.77 ERA in 12 starts the following year.

"He's got a good curveball," Duquette said. "He's done well against left-handed hitters. We tried to acquire him a couple of years ago from a Mexican League team and were runners-up."

Rodriguez impressed the Orioles this winter by going 3-3 with a 3.68 ERA with the Culiacan Tomato Growers in Mexico.

"This kid is an accomplished pitcher and a breaking ball pitcher," Duquette said. "We think he has some talent and can help the team."