The Orioles selected the contract of infielder Luis Vazquez before Wednesday’s matchup against the Cardinals. He’ll take the spot of outfielder Tyler O’Neill, who is headed to the injured list with shoulder inflammation. Baltimore had an opening on the 40-man roster for Vazquez. The club’s 40-man is now full.
Vazquez was in the running for a bench role with the Orioles heading into the season, but broke his thumb in March and began the year in the minors. He’s posted a 71 wRC+ in 58 games across two levels this season.
Baltimore landed Vazquez in a cash deal with the Cubs heading into 2025. He got a decent look with the big-league club down the stretch last year. Vazquez hit .160 in 36 games with the Orioles. He saw time at all four infield positions and also chipped in four games of mop-up duty on the mound.
The 26-year-old Vazquez hasn’t hit much in his pro career. His main appeal comes from defensive versatility. Vazquez has made at least eight starts at each of second base, third base, and shortstop with Triple-A Norfolk this year. The majority of his playing time has come at shortstop with the Tides. He’s recorded -1 Defensive Runs Saved in 81 innings at the position as a big leaguer.
O’Neill injured his shoulder making a diving catch over the weekend. He hadn’t suited up since Saturday. The veteran heads to the injured list for the fifth time in two seasons with the Orioles. It’s unclear if he’ll be able to return this year.
After struggling for a few months to open the season, O’Neill put together a strong July. He posted a 1.009 OPS with five home runs across 42 at-bats. O’Neill hit three more homers in August while slashing .231/.333/.404. He’s been a positive defender by DRS in right field. His catch against the Rays preserved a tie game in the ninth inning. Baltimore would go on to win in extras.
O’Neill is in the second season of a three-year, $49.5MM deal. He can opt out after 2025, but the injuries and underwhelming production will likely keep him in Baltimore. O’Neill is slated to make $16.5MM in 2027.
Photo courtesy of Daniel Kucin Jr., Imagn Images
