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Further maneuvering of players on the Orioles’ 40-man roster has created an open spot as they approach a new month and get closer to the start of free agency.

The team announced this afternoon that pitcher Chris Ellis and catcher Aramis Garcia were outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk. Ellis first was reinstated from the 60-day injured list.

Ellis made two road starts with the Orioles after they re-signed him to a minor league contract in March, tossing 4 1/3 scoreless innings on April 19 in Oakland and allowing five runs and walking three batters without retiring anyone on April 24 in Anaheim. He went on the injured list with right shoulder inflammation and underwent arthroscopic surgery on May 4.

The Orioles outrighted Ellis off the 40-man roster after the 2021 season and he elected free agency. He had made six starts and registered a 2.49 ERA in 25 1/3 innings. He walked 13 batters.

Garcia was claimed off waivers from the Reds Oct. 14 after appearing in 47 games and batting .213/.248/.259 in 115 plate appearances.

The Orioles had six catchers on their 40-man roster before outrighting Garcia. Veteran Robinson Chirinos will be removed when he becomes a free agent.

Adley Rutschman, Anthony Bemboom, Cam Gallagher and Mark Kolozsvary – the latter claimed from the Reds on the same day as Garcia – also remain on the 40-man.

Left-hander John Means must be reinstated from the 60-day injured list, which will again fill the 40-man.