Orioles Sign Rapada… Again
Late Monday night, the Baltimore Orioles announced they have signed 33–year-old left-handed relief pitcher Clay Rapada to a minor league deal. Rapada last pitched for the Orioles origination in 2011. Rapada will join Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday, pending a physical.
Rapada was added for pitching depth like Heath Bell last month, but Bell opted out of his contract a couple weeks ago. Last year Rapada signed a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians on June 13 and was sent to Triple-A. Rapada spent most of the season with Triple-A Columbus but was a September call up.
On October 2 he was designated for assignment and after he was out righted to Triple-A Columbus on October 7, he selected free agency. He briefly singed with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in December but then signed with Seattle in April, another minor league deal.
Rapada appeared in 14 games for Seattle’s Triple-A team the Tacoma Raiders. In those 14 games, Rapada had a 4.12 ERA with a 4-1 record. He also recorded 16 strikeouts while only allowing seven walks.
Whether or not Rapada makes an immediate impact on the Orioles’ Major League team, he will add depth and veteran leadership to a Norfolk pitching staff who could use that extra man, and ultimately an extra day’s rest, in the ‘pen.
