masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgWhile examining possible trade options for a starting pitcher, it’s been noted that Detroit’s Armando Galarraga could be made available. Well, he’s really available now because the Tigers designated him for assignment earlier today.

Galarraga agreed to a one-year, $2.3 million deal a day earlier, but he wasn’t really off the board. The Tigers needed to make room for Brad Penny, and Galarraga apparently is the odd man out.

Galarraga came within a blown call by first base umpire Jim Joyce…While examining possible trade options for a starting pitcher, it’s been noted that Detroit’s Armando Galarraga could be made available. Well, he’s really available now because the Tigers designated him for assignment earlier today.

Galarraga agreed to a one-year, $2.3 million deal a day earlier, but he wasn’t really off the board. The Tigers needed to make room for Brad Penny, and Galarraga apparently is the odd man out.

Galarraga came within a blown call by first base umpire Jim Joyce of throwing a perfect game last season, but he also finished 4-9 with a 4.49 ERA in 25 games and made a brief trip to the minors after starting against the Orioles on July 5 at Camden Yards. He’s 10-19 over the last two seasons after going 13-7 with a 3.73 ERA in 2008.

Continue to keep him in mind, especially since the remaining starters on the free-agent market are less than inspiring. Manager Buck Showalter isn’t comfortable with “six for five,” as he calls it. He wants more competition for the rotation.

Meanwhile, former Orioles catcher Gregg Zaun reportedly signed a minor league deal with the Padres. He’ll compete for the backup job, as will another former Oriole, Guillermo Quiroz.

It really is a small world after all.

Update: From what I’m hearing, it doesn’t sound like the Orioles have much interest in Galarraga. They’re not overly impressed beyond the near-perfect game. Don’t write him off completely, but I wouldn’t expect him to join the rotation.