Vielma could be next roster move for Orioles

The Orioles are prepared to make a roster move for the fifth day in a row and this one involves a utility infielder.

Engelb Vielma isn't in Triple-A Norfolk's lineup this afternoon and I'm hearing that he's headed to Baltimore. The club hasn't announced it.

Vielma, 23, is on the 40-man roster after the Orioles acquired him from the Giants on Jan 26 for a player to be named or cash. He had a busy offseason going from the Twins to the Giants to the Phillies to the Pirates and back to the Giants before the Orioles worked out a deal.

A plus defender whose primary position is shortstop, Vielma has never played in the majors and would be making his debut. He also has experience at second and third base and is a career .256/.316/.303 hitter in seven minor league seasons.

In two games with Norfolk, Vielma has gone 1-for-8 with a triple and two walks.

Placed in the competition for a utility job in spring training, Vielma went 4-for-26 with a triple and three RBIs while adhering to his reputation as being more glove than bat. The Orioles decided to keep Danny Valencia, signed to a minor league deal, with the intent of moving Tim Beckham or Jonathan Schoop to back up at the middle infield positions.

Luis Sardiñas, Rubén Tejada and Erick Salcedo also were vying for a roster spot. Sardiñas and Tejada are in Norfolk and Salcedo was assigned to Double-A Bowie.

The Orioles currently have a three-man bench while carrying an extra reliever and I don't know whether Vielma is a fourth reserve or the corresponding move involves another position player. Or whether he's going to be added to the active roster today. The club will explain it later.

The bullpen includes on one left-hander, Richard Bleier, so other moves are coming before the Orioles begin a four-game series against the Red Sox following Thursday's off-day.

Since Saturday morning in New York, the Orioles have recalled reliever Jimmy Yacabonis and placed outfielder Colby Rasmus on the disabled list with a left hip flexor strain, recalled left-hander Tanner Scott and optioned Yacabonis, recalled pitcher Hunter Harvey and optioned Scott, and recalled pitcher Yefry Ramirez and designated Rule 5 pick Nestor Cortes Jr. for assignment.

Today's move, if official, will extended the streak to five days.

The Tides announced earlier today that infielder Drew Dosch was placed on the disabled list with a left hamstring injury and Anderson Feliz as transferred from Bowie to Norfolk. Feliz is starting at third base today.