O’s designate Michael Aubrey for assignment

The Baltimore Orioles have designated 27-year old 1B Michael Aubrey for assignment to make room on their 40-man roster for Julio Lugo.  Originally drafted by the Indians in the 1st round of the 2003 draft, Aubrey made his major league debut with the Tribe in 2008.  Baltimore acquired him for a player to be named later in June last season.  After he was acquired by the O’s he spent 44 with Triple-A Norfolk before getting called up to the majors.  He went on to hit 0.289/.326/.500 in a 31 game audition with Baltimore.

Despite a solid showing in 2009, Aubrey was a casualty of the organization’s depth at the position.  Garrett Atkins was signed this offseason to hold down 1B until prospect Brandon Snyder, who reached Triple-A in 2009, takes over.  The O’s system also boasts prospect Brandon Waring who reached Double-A last season and has hit 67 HR in the last three minor league seasons.

Aubrey has enough talent that another organization could put in a claim on him, but as a late 20s 1B with limited power there’s a good bet he will clear waivers.

[Update] Lawrence Barreca of Birds Watcher had this to say about the move:

I’m a little upset with the move to DFA Aubrey. I liked the former top power prospect as the backup option at first base for the O’s; however, veteran Ty Wigginton easily beat him out. Aubrey is a solid defender and a decent bat in the lineup, so it comes as a slight surprise. Am I devastated? No. It’s not something that will really hurt the O’s to any extent. It is what it is I guess.

[Update] Aubrey cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk on April 5th.