The Orioles announced this afternoon that reliever Isaac Mattson has cleared waivers and been sent outright to Triple-A Norfolk. The move clears a spot on the Baltimore 40-man roster, which now sits at 39.
Baltimore added Mattson to the roster last offseason to keep him from being selected in the Rule 5 draft. The O’s had previously acquired the University of Pittsburgh product from the Angels as part of the Dylan Bundy trade in December 2019. Mattson made his first four big league appearances last season, allowing three runs in 4 1/3 innings with three strikeouts and five walks.
It was a rough season with Norfolk, where the righty spent the majority of the year. He tossed 17 1/3 innings in 18 outings, pitching to a 6.23 ERA. The 26-year-old had a solid 29.6% strikeout percentage and 7.4% walk rate, but he was plagued by a .447 opponents batting average on balls in play.
Mattson has never before been outrighted and doesn’t have the requisite service time to refuse the assignment. He’ll remain in Norfolk — where he’d already been after the O’s optioned him to start the year — and try to pitch his way back onto the 40-man roster.
Obviously clearing a roster spot for the forthcoming acquisition of Aaron Judge.
Or Trout?
And now your starting line up for the Batting Practice Orioles….
Adley?
Service clock and injury. Nope.
Nope, Matt Harvey
Wish I had something positive to say…
Good one!
Had to clear a roster spot for Chris Davis.
Wait. “Cleared waivers” meaning nobody wanted him? Hint. Hint. Maybe just release him and move on?
Man, poor guy. Outrighted from the O’s? Ouch, that one has to hurt. There is no shame in coaching, fella.
Crapping on the Orioles is certainly warranted at the moment, but I can’t wait to say “I told you so” by August 2023.