With the intention of strengthening their outfield depth, the Orioles claimed Forrest Wall from the Marlins on waivers and optioned him to Triple-A Norfolk today.
The Orioles had to make a similar move since the 40-man roster was full, which resulted in the designation of reliever Dillon Tate for assignment.
The 28-year-old left-hander Wall played in 13 Braves games and three Marlins games this season, accumulating an 8-for-32 record. In his one plate appearance during the National League Division Series, he went 6-for-13 with two doubles and a home run in his major league debut with Atlanta last summer.
Wall has a profession.A hitter in ten minor league seasons with a 272/.354/.401 line. He was selected by the Rockies with the 35th overall choice in the 2014 draft. Four years later, he was traded, along with reliever Bryan Baker, to the Blue Jays.
With Wall’s two remaining minor options, and Heston Kjerstad still on the concussion injured list, Norfolk has a left-handed hitter.
Tate spent three stints, the longest lasting one day, with the Orioles this season before breaking camp. Tate, who was acquired by the Yankees in 2018 along with Zack Britton, had a 4.59 ERA in 29 games this season with the Orioles but a 2.16 ERA in 16 games with Norfolk.
For the Orioles bullpen, what comes next?
After this weekend, it’s unlikely to remain the same.
The news broke late last night, and several sources confirmed that Nick Anderson, 34, had successfully completed his medical review and signed a minor league contract. He’s on his way to Norfolk, where he should pitch in the coming days.
Tate’s departure has made room.
The Orioles, who have liked Anderson since he was a Rays reliever from 2019 to 21, could benefit greatly from this move. Prior to his signing with the Dodgers last month, they expressed interest.
Considering that he was selected in the 32nd round of the draft out of Mayville State University in North Dakota and played three seasons in the independent Frontier League, Anderson has put together a respectable career. Throughout his 165 appearances, he has a 3.18 ERA, 1.093 WHIP, and 11.5 strikeouts per nine innings. After having surgery to place an internal brace on his right elbow, Anderson did not throw in the major leagues in 2022.
In November 2022, Anderson was released by the Rays following his 17 appearances at Triple-A Durham.
After posting a 3.06 ERA in 35 games, Anderson’s right shoulder issue put him on the Braves’ 60-day injured list in 2023. After acquiring reliever Hunter Harvey from the Nationals on July 13, the Royals designated him for assignment. He was acquired by the team in a trade in November 2023, and he has a 4.04 ERA in 37 appearances this season.
Anderson was signed by the Dodgers to a minor league contract, but he chose to leave in search of a better chance to pitch in the main leagues. Enter the Orioles, who monitored him and were intrigued by his velocity in the mid-to-upper 90s as well as the analytics they look for in pitchers.
Anderson was already known to them from his time in the division. In his eight career games against them, he has given up three earned runs in seven innings.
Anderson became well-known to all throughout the 2020 postseason. In the Division Series and wild card rounds, he pitched twice; in the World Series and Championship Series, he pitched three times.
Many people recall that Anderson came in for Blake Snell during the Rays’ contentious decision to pull the left-hander after five and a third innings of shutout play, with two hits allowed, and nine strikeouts in Game 6 against the Dodgers, managed by Kevin Cash of the Rays. Anderson was exhausted, and what had been a 1-0 advantage was now a 2-1 loss. The Rays were eliminated after a 3-1 loss.
Moreover, Anderson had four postseason appearances in 2019 and gave up one run in 5 2/3 innings while striking out eight batters without walking.
Zach Eflin, the starter, is anticipated to return from the injured list on Sunday, and the major league rosters will gain one pitcher and one position player. He might be the extra pitcher and doesn’t need a rehab assignment. If the Orioles advance and Anderson proves he deserves a position, he may end up on the postseason roster.
The Orioles have added a Gunnar Henderson T-shirt giveaway on Saturday, September 21 for the first 20,000 fans aged 15 and above as part of Fan Appreciation Weekend.
On Sunday, 20,000 fans who are 15 years of age and older will receive an Orioles crewneck sweatshirt.
Over the course of the weekend, some fans will be chosen to take part in pregame rituals that include tossing out the ceremonial first pitch and delivering the game ball. Every game will feature Berks Live Hot Dog Races, as well as several chances for fans to win freebies and prizes.
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