The Orioles announced that they have claimed infielder Cord Phelps off waivers from the Indians, bringing their 40-man roster to 38 players. The Indians had designated the former third-round pick for assignment last week.
Phelps, who turns 27 in January, is the owner of a career .286/.367/.471 in 1,576 plate appearances at the Triple-A level. However, he's failed to live up to the expectations set by that robust batting line in the Majors, slashing just .159/.221/.248 slash line in 123 plate appearances. Primarily a second baseman, the switch-hitting Phelps also got a bit of experience in left field and at first base in 2013. He's played 40 games at shortstop in the minors as well, though he hasn't appeared at the position since 2011.
This is the second minor acquisition by the Orioles today, as the team also acquired fellow DFA casualty Brad Brach from the Padres in exchange for right-hander Devin Jones.
