Orioles News and Notes

Recently, the Orioles made two important decisions regarding their roster moving towards opening day. The backup catcher to Matt Wieters was named as was the number five starting pitcher to open the year. Craig Tatum will be backing up Wieters. When the move was made, Chad Moeller was to be optioned to the minor leagues, but refused the assignment. By doing that, Moeller declared himself a free agent.

On the pitching side of things, David Hernandez was selected to be the fifth starter. This may come as a bit of a shock because people thought Chris Tillman was a virtual lock for the position before spring training began. Tillman, along with a bunch of others, got optioned to the minor leagues for more seasoning. Tillman will be brought back and play a role in the future of this franchise, just not right now.

The Orioles also acquired Julio Lugo from the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for a player to be named later. Lugo will primarily be used as insurance in case Brian Roberts injury is more serious than was thought and may keep him out longer than expected. With this transaction, Robert Andino and Ty Wiggington may find themselves with less playing time or even on their way out of Baltimore since Lugo can fill in at most of the infield positions.