Orioles outright Austin Wynns

The Orioles performed more work on their 40-man roster this afternoon, outrighting catcher Austin Wynns after he cleared waivers, according to sources.

Wynns can become a free agent.

The 40-man is down to 38 players, the most recent move before today coming last week when the Diamondbacks claimed reliever Zack Burdi off waivers.

Wynns, 30, batted .185/.232/.308 in 45 games, with four doubles, four home runs and 14 RBIs in 139 plate appearances. He threw out 11 of 29 runners attempting to steal and was praised by manager Brandon Hyde for his work behind the plate and with the pitching staff.

The Orioles selected Wynns' contract on May 31 and optioned catcher Chance Sisco to Triple-A Norfolk. Sisco was designated for assignment a few weeks later and claimed by the Mets.

Wynns didn't play in the majors in 2020 but has appeared in 115 games with the Orioles. He's thrown out 32 percent of runners attempting to steal.

The 40-man roster still includes catchers Pedro Severino and Nick Ciuffo. Severino is arbitration-eligible again and a candidate to be non-tendered with MLBTradeRumors.com projecting his salary to rise to $3.1 million.

Adley Rutschman, baseball's top prospect, is expected to make his major league debut in 2022. However, he could begin the season in Triple-A.

The Orioles are seeking at least one more catcher and plan on checking the major and minor league free agent markets.

Five players are on the 60-day injured list and must be returned to the 40-man roster: pitchers Keegan Akin, Hunter Harvey and Jorge López, infielder Jorge Mateo and outfielder DJ Stewart.

Starter Matt Harvey also is on the 60-day IL, but he's a pending free agent.

Reliever Fernando Abad will come off the 40-man roster when he enters free agency.