Orioles claim Jack Reinheimer off waivers

The Orioles keep building infield depth and increasing their options as they move through the offseason.

The latest utility candidate arrived today in Jack Reinheimer, claimed off waivers from the Rangers. Pitcher Austin Brice was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster.

Reinheimer, 26, was a fifth-round pick of the Mariners in 2013 out of East Carolina University who appeared in 21 games with the Mets last summer and went 5-for-30 with five walks and nine strikeouts. He was 0-for-5 with three strikeouts in two games with the Diamondbacks in 2017.

Versatility is important to the Orioles, the message delivered again at FanFest, and Reinheimer can play shortstop, second base, third base and left field. He also owns a .343 on-base percentage in 2,805 plate appearances spread over six minor league seasons.

Reinheimer is plus defender who can run - he stole 39 bases in 2014 - and has been ranked as a Top 30 prospect. Manager Brandon Hyde can toss him into the utility mix with Rule 5 picks Richie Martin and Drew Jackson, Steve Wilkerson, Jace Peterson, Hanser Alberto and spring invites Zach Vincej and Chris Bostick.

Engelb Vielma also remains in the organization and will report early to minor league camp. Sean Miller signed a minor league deal.

Today's transaction keeps Reinheimer on the move. The Mets selected him off waivers from the Diamondbacks on July 31, the Cubs claimed him on Nov. 2 and the Rangers selected him on Nov. 20.

There are Orioles twists to his professional career. He was involved in a 2015 trade between the Mariners and Diamondbacks that also included Mark Trumbo, Vidal Nuño and Welington Castillo. And his first major league hit came against Orioles reliever Cody Carroll on Aug. 15 at Camden Yards.

Reinheimer pitched at East Carolina University, which also produced Mike Wright Jr.

The Orioles claimed Brice off waivers from the Angels on Jan. 4 and designated infielder Breyvic Valera for assignment. They traded Valera to the Giants the following day for cash considerations.