masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgOutfielder Matt Angle was designated for assignment today to make room for reliever Outfielder Matt Angle was designated for assignment today to make room for reliever Luis Ayala on the 40-man roster.

Angle, 26, batted .271/.347/.344 in 108 games for Triple-A Norfolk in 2011 before joining the Orioles for 31 games and hitting .193/.293/.266 with four doubles, one homer – off Cy Young winner Justin Verlander – seven RBIs and 11 stolen bases.

Angle and Kyle Hudson were similar-type outfielders. Now there’s a chance that neither player will be in the organization this year.

Hudson was designated for assignment and released, and he later signed with the Rangers.

Both players became expendable after the Orioles signed Endy Chavez and acquired Jai Miller.

The Orioles also confirmed that they signed first baseman Nick Johnson to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training. Catcher Dane Sardinha and outfielders Xavier Avery and LJ Hoes also were invited to camp.