The Orioles continued to add to their collection of veteran options in the minor leagues by re-signing outfielder Michael Bourn on Tuesday.
Just over two weeks after being granted his release, the 34-year-old has re-signed with Baltimore to another minor-league deal, according to ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick. Bourn suffered a broken finger just days after signing with Baltimore in late February, but he is nearly recovered and is expected to report to extended spring training in Sarasota.
The surprising emergence of veteran Craig Gentry this spring lessened the immediate need for Bourn on the Baltimore bench, but his speed and defensive prowess were assets for the Orioles over the final month of the 2016 season. The lefty-swinging outfielder batted .283 with two home runs and a .793 on-base plus slugging percentage in 55 plate appearances with Baltimore last season while primarily serving as a late-inning defensive replacement and pinch runner.
The current outfield mix at Triple-A Norfolk includes Chris Dickerson, Logan Schafer, Michael Choice, and Pedro Alvarez, who is adjusting to right field after previously playing both corner infield spots in his major league career. The Orioles are currently without fourth outfielder Joey Rickard, who is on the 10-day disabled list with a sprained left middle finger.
With Rickard on the DL, Trey Mancini was starting in left field in front of the Green Monster at Fenway Park on Tuesday night. It presented an interesting test for a rookie making only his second professional start in the outfield after previously serving as a first baseman in the minor leagues.
The Orioles also announced the re-signing of injured pitcher and outfielder Dariel Alvarez to a minor-league deal. Alvarez injured his right elbow in his conversion to the mound this spring and is expected to undergo Tommy John surgery.
In other injury-related news, manager Buck Showalter told reporters in Boston that Chris Tillman’s outing in Tuesday’s extended-spring game went well. The right-hander was expected to complete two innings or 30 pitches — whichever came first. Showalter said Tillman could potentially start for Double-A Bowie on Monday if his next workday goes well.
