The Baltimore Orioles traded for right-hander Cam Sanders on Monday, acquiring him from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for undisclosed amount of cash in the deal. Baltimore then immediately optioned Sanders to Triple-A Norfolk, where he'll get his footing in the organization. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Orioles shifted lefty Keegan Akin (left elbow) to the 60-day injured list.
For Sanders, the option to Norfolk gives him a chance to pitch regularly and potentially work his way into consideration for a big league role with Baltimore after the All-Star break. Sanders was up-and-down from the Pirates and the minors this season. He's used mainly a fastball and slider combination, and has mixed in a changeup to lefties. He's struck out about 27% of batters faced this saeson, but his walk rate is just above 20%. So, command is an issue.
The Orioles effectively used the DFA process to add a low-cost arm to their system, a routine move that gives their Triple-A affiliate another option while keeping roster flexibility at the major league level.