Pedro

Araujo

Aruajo made 20 appearance for the O’s last season and one this season, but he still had Rule 5 eligibility remaining so Baltimore had to retain him in a roundabout way. He’ll go to the bullpen at Triple-A Norfolk.

Araujo was lit up for two earned runs over just two-thirds of an inning in his lone appearance with Baltimore this year. Matt Wotherspoon will take his spot in the bullpen Wednesday.

He’s now back on the 40-man roster. Araujo missed most of this season with an elbow injury.

Araujo was selected in the second round of December’s Rule 5 draft, and he posted impressive numbers -- 1.76 ERA, 87/18 K/BB ratio in 66 2/3 innings -- in the Cubs’ system in 2017. He likely won’t be given high-leverage innings to begin his Baltimore career, but the stuff suggests he could someday pitch in that type of role for the Orioles.

This would suggest that Araujo suffered a setback in his recovery from right elbow inflammation, an injury that sent him to the disabled list almost two months ago. The 25-year-old has contributed a lousy 7.71 ERA over 20 relief outings for Baltimore this year.

It’s a paper move designed to open a spot on the Orioles’ 40-man roster. Araujo, 25, has been out since June with a right elbow sprain.

That would serve as an indication that Araujo might be close to returning to the Orioles’ bullpen. The Rule 5 Draft pick has been on the disabled list since June 11 due to inflammation in his right elbow.

The Rule 5 pick’s elbow has evidently been sore for a couple weeks. Araujo has struck out a batter per inning for the O’s this season but has also walked 18 over 28 frames and posted a 7.71 ERA.

Araujo put up a promising 1.76 ERA, 0.915 WHIP, and 87/18 K/BB ratio in 66 2/3 innings this past season between High-A Myrtle Beach and Double-A Tennessee. The 24-year-old right-hander should have a decent spot at cracking the Opening Day bullpen in Baltimore next spring.