SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) — The Baltimore Orioles cut three players, including backup catcher Craig Tatum, to reduce their roster to the 25-man limit.
Tatum and pitcher Zach Britton were optioned to Triple-A Norfolk and infielder Brendan Harris was assigned Tuesday to the minor league camp.
The Orioles also placed right-hander Justin Duchscherer (hip strain) on the 15-day disabled list.
Jake Fox will be the backup catcher and Baltimore will carry pitchers Brad Bergesen and Chris Tillman. Either Bergesen or Tillman will start Sunday in Tampa Bay, and the other is expected to pitch on April 10, when the Orioles need a fifth starter.
Britton pitched well this spring, but if he stays in the minors for at least 20 days it will make him eligible for free agency in 2017 instead of 2016.
