masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The Orioles are taking early batting practice today. Roll call includes Ryan Flaherty, Alexi Casilla, Danny Valencia, Steve Pearce and Taylor Teagarden.

Manager Buck Showalter has stepped out of the dugout at Tropicana Field to watch the session.

Earlier today, the Orioles optioned backup catcher Chris Snyder to Triple-A Norfolk. Snyder was designated for assignment on Tuesday to make room for Taylor Teagarden on the 25-man roster.

Snyder had the right to refuse an…ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The Orioles are taking early batting practice today. Roll call includes Ryan Flaherty, Alexi Casilla, Danny Valencia, Steve Pearce and Taylor Teagarden.

Manager Buck Showalter has stepped out of the dugout at Tropicana Field to watch the session.

Earlier today, the Orioles optioned backup catcher Chris Snyder to Triple-A Norfolk. Snyder was designated for assignment on Tuesday to make room for Taylor Teagarden on the 25-man roster.

Snyder had the right to refuse an assignment to Norfolk and elect to become a free agent. The Orioles want him to remain in the organization and improve their catching depth.

Snyder, 32, went 2-for-17 in six games with the Orioles. The club was 4-1 in his five starts.

The Orioles still haven’t announced today’s roster move. They optioned outfielder Xavier Avery following yesterday’s 3-1 victory over the Astros, and are expected to add a reliever.

Pedro Strop is eligible to come off the disabled list on Saturday.

Draft update: In the fifth round of the First-Year Player Draft, the Orioles selected left-hander Travis Seabrooke of Crestwood SS in Canada. Here’s the draft tracker report:

“Canada’s crop of Draft talent this year isn’t terribly deep, but Seabrooke stands out among that pool as a lefty with a high ceilng. At 6-foot-5, 182 pounds, Seabrooke is athletic and very projectable. His fastball will sit around 90 mph but has great downward plane and should see an uptick in velocity as he fills out. He has also shown good feel for his curveball, which has the potential to be an above-average offering down the line. His changeup lags behind the other two offerings but could become average in the future as he learns to use it more A team that takes Seabrooke will be gambling on his upside and that he can fulfill his potential in the long-term.”