Michael Bourn’s second run with the Orioles has come to an end before it ever really started.
Still recovering from a broken finger suffered in late February, the veteran outfielder requested and was granted his release on Monday. Bourn injured his right ring finger catching a football during a workout just days after signing a minor-league deal with the Orioles. The 34-year-old was scheduled to make $2 million in base salary with the possibility of earning other incentives had he made the major league roster.
Bourn had an opt-out clause in his minor-league deal and likely viewed the strong spring performances from the likes of Joey Rickard, Craig Gentry, Trey Mancini, and Rule 5 pick Aneury Tavarez as evidence that wouldn’t help his chances of making the 25-man roster when fully healthy. The lefty outfielder hit .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 Orioles also released infielder Chris Johnson and reassigned catching prospect Chance Sisco to minor-league spring training on Monday, leaving them with 38 players in major league camp with Opening Day now less than a week away.
