Orioles Sign Colby Rasmus to Minor League Deal
With the fourth addition this week, the Orioles add another need for the 2018 Orioles, left handed bats. Leading to the O’s signing former Tampa Bay Ray Colby Rasmus to a minor league deal with a non-roster invite to spring training. The left-handed bat is a glaring need for the O’s which makes Rasmus a strong candidate to make the Opening Day roster as a left handed bat with above average fielding abilities.
Coming off a season that Rasmus spent most of his time on the DL, the Orioles made it clear they’ve had their eyes on Rasmus and not for his hitting but rather defense. Coming from Buck, he said of Rasmus’ ability with the glove. “That’s an area we want to get better at and get back to.”
Playing in 37 games for Tampa Bay last season, Rasmus was placed on restricted list in July for personal reasons that are still unknown. Maybe considering retirement, Colby will look to give it one last try for the birds. Rasmus is now the most versatile defender other then star Adam Johns and due to Johns recent injuries this may be a way of Buck to make sure Johns gets rest days even when healthy rather then waiting for a lingering injury come along.
In Rasmus’s 129 Ab’s he hit .291/.333/.582 off lefties and .182/.167/.545 off righties. With this noticeable split between righties vs lefties, Rasmus will have limited playing time and mostly will see him coming off the bench as Buck’s guy to get the O’s a late hit against a lefty specialist. With all the added depth in the outfield it seems that the O’s no longer trust Trumbo in RF and he will most likely be slotted in as the Orioles permeant DH.
