masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgOrioles executive vice president Dan Duquette confirmed tonight that Triple-A Norfolk left-hander Chris Jones has been added to the 40-man roster.

The Orioles acquired Jones, 25, from the Atlanta Braves in April for veteran reliever Luis Ayala.

Jones posted a 2.57 ERA in four games at Double-A Bowie, and he was 4-4 with a 2.67 ERA in 31 appearances (two starts) with Norfolk, allowing 72 hits, walking 34 and striking out 47 in 70 2/3 innings.

“He was very effective getting left-handed…Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette confirmed tonight that Triple-A Norfolk left-hander Chris Jones has been added to the 40-man roster.

The Orioles acquired Jones, 25, from the Atlanta Braves in April for veteran reliever Luis Ayala.

Jones posted a 2.57 ERA in four games at Double-A Bowie, and he was 4-4 with a 2.67 ERA in 31 appearances (two starts) with Norfolk, allowing 72 hits, walking 34 and striking out 47 in 70 2/3 innings.

“He was very effective getting left-handed hitters out,” Duquette said. “He has a good breaking ball, and he’s strong and durable. And he’s from Tampa. That’s a great area for ballplayers.”

Jones will compete for a bullpen spot next spring. The Orioles carried left-handers Brian Matusz, Troy Patton and T.J. McFarland this season.

Jones could have become a minor league free agent. His inclusion on the 40-man roster protects him in the Rule 5 draft.

“He did some good work for us this year,” Duquette said.

Jones is currently pitching in Venezuela, where he’s allowed two runs and 12 hits in 7 1/3 innings.

The Orioles have 31 players on their 40-man roster.

Earlier today, MASNsports.com’s Steve Melewski wrote about the Orioles leading the majors with three minor leaguers – Double-A Bowie’s Caleb Joseph, Single-A Frederick’s Michael Ohlman and short-season Single-A Aberdeen’s Trey Mancini – being named Topps Players of the Year in their respective leagues.

“That’s good recognition for our players. They do a nice job,” Duquette said. “It shows good player development, too. The Orioles were the only organization to have three Players of the Year, so that’s good. We’re starting to build a good player development operation.”