The Orioles have designated Brandon Erbe for assignment, reports Jeff Zrebiec of The Baltimore Sun (on Twitter). The move frees up a 40-man roster spot for Cesar Izturis, who was activated off the 60-day DL. Zach Britton was placed on the 15-day DL with a shoulder strain as well.
Erbe, 23, was ranked as the Orioles 27th best prospect before the season by Baseball America. He gave up four runs in 4 1/3 minor league innings this season after coming back for an August 2010 surgery to repair a torn labrum. Erbe owns a 4.45 ERA with 9.0 K/9 and 3.6 BB/9 in 580 minor league innings, though he has never reached the big leagues.