The Orioles introduced Monday that they’ve designated infielder/outfielder Nick Maton for task. His spot on the roster will go to high outfield prospect Heston Kjerstad, whose beforehand reported recall from Triple-A Norfolk is now official.
Maton, 27, had his contract chosen to the large league roster final week however solely appeared in a single recreation with the O’s and didn’t make a plate look. Baltimore acquired Maton from the Tigers in alternate for money over the winter and ultimately handed him by waivers. He’s spent the season of their minor league system logging 4 rehab video games at Excessive-A after an harm and one other 41 video games on the Triple-A degree. Total, he’s turned in a stout .292/.390/.481 batting line with seven homers, six doubles, a triple, an enormous 13.2% stroll fee and a 22.5% strikeout fee.
A seventh-round decide by the Phillies again in 2017, Maton impressed throughout his first two huge league seasons. The youthful brother of reliever Phil Maton, Nick slashed .254/.330/.434 in 216 plate appearances with the Phils in 2021-22. Philadelphia despatched Maton, Matt Vierling and Donny Sands to Detroit within the commerce that netted them Gregory Soto and Kody Clemens. Maton obtained ample taking part in time with the Tigers, however issues didn’t pan out as hoped; he logged 293 plate appearances final season however delivered solely a .173/.288/.305 batting line in that point.
Maton is out of minor league choices, so the Orioles didn’t have the power to ship him again to Norfolk with out first exposing him to waivers. He was beforehand outrighted by the O’s this 12 months, so he’ll have the choice to reject a minor league task in favor of free company if he’s positioned again on waivers and clears a second time.
That mentioned, Maton has hit properly within the higher minors this season and brings loads of defensive versatility to the desk. He’s frolicked in any respect 4 infield positions and all three outfield positions in professional ball, albeit solely 52 innings at first base and simply seven innings in heart. His versatility and success within the higher minors might result in a workforce in want of a left-handed bat inserting a declare or orchestrating a small commerce. The O’s can have every week to finish a transfer involving Maton, whether or not it’s a commerce or passing him by waivers.
