The Orioles have announced the deal to acquire infielder Julio Lugo from the St. Louis Cardinals for a player to be named. The Orioles also have announced that first base prospect Michael Aubrey has been designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster. The club has 10 days to make a move to him to the minor leagues, trade him or release him.
Aubrey played 31 games and batted. .289 for the Orioles last year. His playing time in spring training was limited because of minor surgery on his back and a slight groin strain.
The move figures to unseat Robert Andino as the reserve middle infielder, but Andino tried to take the news of the Lugo deal in stride.
"I don't got no call for that,'' Andino said. "That's their call. I'm here. I work here...whatever happens, happens. It's a game. It's a business."