The Baltimore Orioles signed former Cincinnati Reds reliever Logan Ondrusek and designated right-hander Chaz Roe for assignment on Friday.
Ondrusek was playing with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows of the Central League in Japan for the past two seasons. He allowed only 24 runs with a 2.17 earned run average in 99.2 innings. Ondrusek had not played in a game for the Swallows since a June 26 incident involving an argument with the team’s manager Mitsuru Manaka.
The Japan Times reported “abusive behavior” by Ondrusek in the dugout at the end of a difficult outing. After the game, the Swallows would announce that he will be “suspended indefinitely.” Ondrusek would not return to the Swallows after that incident. On July 21, a Japan Times report stated that the Swallows would terminate his contract.
Ondrusek was a regular out of the Reds bullpen from 2010 to 2014. During that time, he would accumulate 214 strikeouts in 270.2 innings with a 3.89 ERA.
Orioles’ manager Buck Showalter explained his expectations for Ondrusek to reporters before Friday’s game in Toronto.
“He’s shown a background being able to defend himself against left-handed hitters, which has been a challenge for us,” Showalter said. “Evidenced by yesterday in Minnesota; hoping he can help us in that department.”
Roe allowed two runs to score on triple by Eddie Rosario in Thursday night’s 6-2 loss to the Minnesota Twins.
The real damage was done to Odrisamer Despaigne, who was on the hook for four runs in that loss. Max Kepler homered and had an RBI single against Despaigne in the game.
There is a 10-day window for the Orioles to trade Roe before he hits waivers. Roe will report to Triple-A Norfolk if he clears waivers.
Showalter feels Ondrusek’s experience with the Reds allows him to be equipped to return to the Majors. Showalter also gave credit to a hard-working scouting department for a thorough evaluation of Ondrusek.
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