The Orioles cleared an additional spot on their 40-man roster Wednesday by outrighting right-handed relief pitcher Evan Meek to Triple-A Norfolk.
The 31-year-old can refuse the assignment and become a free agent after going 0-4 with a 5.79 ERA in 23 appearances for the Orioles and 2-0 with 16 saves and a 1.94 ERA in 39 appearances for the Tides in 2014. Signed to a minor-league deal last offseason, Meek made the Opening Day roster before struggles landed him back in the minors.
A former All-Star selection with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2010, Meek allowed the walk-off single to retired New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter in his final game at Yankee Stadium on Sept. 25.
The Orioles now have 38 players on their 40-man roster, but that will change with a number of potential free agents to address such as Nelson Cruz, Nick Markakis, Andrew Miller, and Delmon Young.
