Andrew

Politi

Neither player was expected to make the major league roster but will function as organizational depth during the season.

Politi didn’t end up making Baltimore’s season-opening roster after being selected in last December’s Rule 5 Draft. The 26-year-old righty will head to Triple-A Worcester for the start of the minor league season.

The right-hander was selected by the Orioles from the Red Sox in the Rule 5 draft, but he struggled in Grapefruit League play -- posting a 6.23 ERA and 1.38 WHIP across 8 2/3 innings. If he passes through waivers unclaimed -- as expected -- the O’s will have to offer him back to the Red Sox.

With Dillon Tate and maybe Mychal Givens opening up on the IL for the Orioles, Politi, who was selected out of the Red Sox system, figures to have a bullpen spot initially. He has a 4.50 ERA and an 8/2 K/BB ratio in eight innings this spring.

Politi, 26, is a pure reliever and split his time between Double-A and Triple-A. He posted a 2.60 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and 83/22 K/BB ratio over 50 appearances. The right-hander has a three-pitch mix (fastball, curveball, slider) and has the potential of sticking in the Orioles bullpen next year.