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Orioles Eyeing Matt Lindstrom

By John Parent

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Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun listed the Baltimore Orioles among several teams interested in free agent reliever Matt Lindstrom.

July 31, 2012; Bronx, NY, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitcher Matt Lindstrom (27) throws a pitch during the eighth inning of a game against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
July 31, 2012; Bronx, NY, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitcher Matt Lindstrom (27) throws a pitch during the eighth inning of a game against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Lindstrom, who will turn 33 next month, spent part of the 2012 campaign with the Orioles before being dealt to Arizona in the trade that brought Joe Saunders to Baltimore. In 34 games for Baltimore last season, Lindstrom pitched to a 2.72 ERA while striking out 30 in 36.1 innings of work. He was even better once he moved to the desert, fanning 10 in 10.2 innings for the D-backs while posting a 2.58 ERA. Overall, it was his best season since breaking onto the scene as a 27-year-old rookie for the Marlins in 2007.

Arizona held a $4 million club option on Lindstrom for 2013, but declined in favor of a $400k buyout.

Though he has been used as a closer in the past, saving double-digit games for both the Marlins and Astros, Lindstrom is more likely a middle reliever going forward. If he can maintain his walk rate, he can very effective even without elite strikeout numbers.

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