The Orioles have re-signed catcher Sam Huff to a minor league deal, per Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Banner. He should join Triple-A Norfolk in the coming days, perhaps as soon as tonight’s contest.
Huff, 28, was on Baltimore’s big league roster as of a few days ago. He was designated for assignment, cleared waivers and elected free agency. He has now quickly re-signed with the club on a fresh minor league deal.
The Orioles have a primary catching duo of Adley Rutschman and Samuel Basallo. Rutschman has gone on the injured list a couple of times this year, which has forced the club to put other backstops on the roster. Huff was added both times Rutschman hit the IL. In both cases, the out-of-options Huff was bumped off when Rutchman returned, then re-signed once he became a free agent.
Baltimore also had Chadwick Tromp on the roster recently, giving them a three-catcher setup. Tromp was designated for assignment earlier today, leaving them with just the Rutschman/Basallo pairing. Huff’s new deal makes him the first line of defense while Tromp is in DFA limbo. Huff has a paltry .174/.174/.261 line in 23 plate appearances for the O’s this year but has a stronger .241/.292/.416 line over his career. Statcast considers him to be an above-average framer.
Photo courtesy of Daniel Kucin Jr., Imagn Images
