Baltimore Orioles Place Starting Pitcher On Waivers

The Baltimore Orioles have made the decision to designate right-handed pitcher Spenser Watkins for assignment.

The 30-year-old Watkins, who had shown promise in the 2022 season after a challenging debut year in 2021, has not yet had the opportunity to pitch in the MLB this year.

Right-hander Spenser Watkins has been designated for assignment by the Baltimore Orioles, source said. Watkins, 26, pitched 105.1 innings in the majors last year and spent this year at Triple-A Norfolk. His fastball is up to 96 mph and recently started throwing splitter.

— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) June 20, 2023

His performance in Triple-A Norfolk has been disappointing, with a 7.27 ERA, 1.92 WHIP, 17 walks, and 20 strikeouts in 26 innings across eight appearances.

Despite Watkins' struggles, there are some positive developments to note.

His fastball has improved, now reaching 96 mph, and he has recently added a splitter to his pitching repertoire. However, his command has been inconsistent, and he has had difficulty generating ground balls and strikeouts.

The Orioles have designated right-hander Spenser Watkins for assignment, source tells The Banner. @ByRobertMurray had this first.

Watkins was a key piece in filling a rotation hole last year

— Andy Kostka (@afkostka) June 20, 2023

Given his designation for assignment, Watkins now faces the possibility of being traded, passing through waivers, or being released by the Orioles within the next week.

It remains to be seen if other teams will express interest in acquiring him or if he will become a free agent.

Watkins had previously spent two seasons with the Orioles, posting a 5.85 ERA, a 1.51 WHIP, and a 13.7 percent strikeout rate over 160 innings in 39 outings, including 30 starts. Photo Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports