masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgThe Orioles are keeping pitcher Branden Kline and super-utility player Stevie Wilkerson in the organization.
Kline and Wilkerson cleared waivers and have been outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk after the club designated them for assignment last week. Wilkerson had the give his approval based on a previous DFA.
The list of camp invites has grown to 66 players, with left-hander Wade LeBlanc also a recent inclusion.
Kline, a Frederick native and second-round pick out of the University of Virginia in…

The Orioles are keeping pitcher Branden Kline and super-utility player Stevie Wilkerson in the organization.

Kline and Wilkerson cleared waivers and have been outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk after the club designated them for assignment last week. Wilkerson had the give his approval based on a previous DFA.

The list of camp invites has grown to 66 players, with left-hander Wade LeBlanc also a recent inclusion.

Kline-Throws-Black-Sidebar.jpgKline, a Frederick native and second-round pick out of the University of Virginia in 2012, was designated on Thursday to make room for waiver claim Pat Valaika, who’s going to compete for a utility job in camp. Kline, 28, went 1-4 with a 5.93 ERA and 1.53 WHIP in 34 appearances out of the bullpen in his first major league exposure.

Sticking at the highest level was a task. Kline had six different stints with the Orioles.

Though he wasn’t charged with a run in nine September appearances, Kline allowed six hits, walked six batters and hit one.

Kline posted a 2.08 ERA in 11 day games and a 7.71 ERA in 23 night games.

Wilkerson, who also was designated last March, came off the 40-man roster again on Friday after the Orioles claimed pitcher Travis Lakins. They selected Wilkerson’s contract from Triple-A Norfolk on April 22 and he appeared in 117 games, making a team-leading 57 starts in center field.

The biggest mark was made on the mound.

Wilkerson, 28, became the first position player to record a save with a scoreless 16th inning in Anaheim. He made four emergency relief appearances and also played left field, right field and second base and batted .225/.286/.383 with 18 doubles, two triples and 10 home runs in 361 plate appearances.

He’s back in the utility mix.

Pitchers and catchers report on Tuesday and position players are due Feb. 16.