masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgThe Yankees have claimed infielder Matt Antonelli off waivers from the Orioles, who designated him for assignment last week to make room for outfielder Xavier Avery on the 40-man roster.

The writing was on the wall for Antonelli when the Orioles bypassed him twice at Triple-A Norfolk for non-roster players Steve Tolleson and Bill Hall. Antonelli, signed as a minor league free agent Nov. 21, batted .204/.351/.280 with four doubles, one homer and seven RBIs in 29 games with the Tides.

Antonelli…The Yankees have claimed infielder Matt Antonelli off waivers from the Orioles, who designated him for assignment last week to make room for outfielder Xavier Avery on the 40-man roster.

The writing was on the wall for Antonelli when the Orioles bypassed him twice at Triple-A Norfolk for non-roster players Steve Tolleson and Bill Hall. Antonelli, signed as a minor league free agent Nov. 21, batted .204/.351/.280 with four doubles, one homer and seven RBIs in 29 games with the Tides.

Antonelli competed with Tolleson and Rule 5 pick Ryan Flaherty for the utility job in spring training. Flaherty stuck with the club. Tolleson later joined him after having his contract purchased.

The Yankees most likely will assign Antonelli to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Meanwhile, the Orioles have wiped out a three-run deficit to take a 5-3 lead in the seventh inning.

Wilson Betemit led off the seventh with a single and he scored when Chris Davis lined a single into center and the ball skipped past Jarrod Dyson. Davis was trying to call time, but the plate umpire didn’t give it to him, so he swung away.

Davis, who has three hits today, reached third base with one out. However, he didn’t budge when Flaherty laid down a bunt.

Did Davis miss a sign? Did Flaherty, who took a few steps toward first and stopped, as if confused that Davis didn’t break for the plate?

The Orioles loaded the bases with two outs, and J.J. Hardy delivered a two-run single off Aaron Crow after falling behind, 0-2, in the count.

Once again, this team has battled back.

Brian Matusz has settled down after a three-run, five-hit third inning. He’s allowed three runs and seven hits in six innings, with one walk and two strikeouts. He’s thrown 98 pitches, 68 for strikes.

That’s another quality start for Matusz – his third in his last five outings.

Down on the farm, outfielder Kip Schutz has been promoted from Single-A Frederick to Double-A Bowie.