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Orioles likely to let Koji Uehara walk despite relief success

Baltimore Orioles v Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

ANAHEIM, CA - AUGUST 29: Koji Uehara #19 of the Baltimore Orioles celebrates a save and a 1-0 win over the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim during the ninth inning at Angel Stadium on August 29, 2010 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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Koji Uehara has struggled to stay off the disabled list in two years with the Orioles, but the 35-year-old right-hander thrived after moving to the bullpen full time this season with a 2.86 ERA and 55/5 K/BB ratio in 44 innings.

He converted 13-of-15 save opportunities, held opponents to a .220 batting average, finished the season with 32 straight walk-less appearances, and had the best strikeout-to-walk ratio in the entire league among pitchers with 40-plus innings, ahead of even Cliff Lee.

However, according to Steve Melewski of MASNSports.com “the Orioles haven’t made much of an attempt to re-sign him.” Because of his age and injury history Uehara is definitely a risk, but if the Orioles let him walk my guess is several contenders would line up for the chance to give him an incentive-laden one-year contract as a setup man.