MLB Free Agents: Baltimore Orioles Sign Luis Ayala
By Editorial Staff
The Baltimore Orioles made their second free agent signing in two days, inking reliever Luis Ayala to a one-year deal. Ayala gets a major league deal worth $825,000 next season which also includes a $1 million options for 2013.
The Orioles have been eyeing relievers for most of the winter. In the last week the club has been able to add a pair of late-inning arms to their bullpen in Ayala and Matt Lindstrom.
Ayala spent 2011 pitching in the American League East with the Yankees. Over his 52 appearances spanning 56 innings with New York, Ayala was able to maintain an ERA and WHIP of 2.09 and 1.268.
2011 marked the first time Ayala appeared in 50+ games since 2008. It was also the first time the right-hander maintained a season ERA south of 5.00 since ’07. Over his seven major league seasons, Ayala has a career ERA and WHIP of 3.47 and 1.286 with a 5.9 SO/9 and 2.3 BB/9.
Ayala and Lindstrom join Baltimore’s in-house late-inning options Jim Johnson and Kevin Gregg.
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You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.