The Orioles agreed to a minor-league deal with veteran relief pitcher Dale Thayer on Wednesday.
The 35-year-old right-hander will receive an invitation to major league spring training, bringing the total number of pitchers in this year’s camp to 30.
Most recently with the San Diego Padres, Thayer pitched to a 4.06 ERA in 37 2/3 innings in 2015, but he holds a 3.47 career mark in seven major league seasons. From 2012-2014, he pitched to a 3.02 ERA and averaged just under 63 innings per year as an effective member of the Padres bullpen.
Of course, Thayer enters a crowded bullpen picture that already includes two 2015 All-Star selections — closer Zach Britton and primary setup man Darren O’Day — as well as Brad Brach, Mychal Givens, Brian Matusz, Chaz Roe, Dylan Bundy, and T.J. McFarland. He will be competing for a roster spot with other non-roster invitees with major league experience such as lefty Jeff Beliveau and right-hander Todd Redmond.
