Right-handed reliever Ryan Webb, who pitched in 51 games for the Orioles last season, was placed on waivers this week and went unclaimed, according to an industry source.
The Orioles were hoping to get a taker on Webb's $2.75 million salary for 2015, which was part of a two-year, $4.5 million deal he signed before the 2014 season.
No one bit, and the Orioles have a decision to make – and it likely will mean they are eating money.
Webb, 29, entered the spring firmly on the roster bubble in a crowded bullpen. He lost some time this spring dealing with a left knee injury and has pitched to a 6.75 ERA in seven spring games (five earned runs in 6 2/3 innings). He allowed two runs while recording two outs on Thursday against the Atlanta Braves.
The sinkerballer was 3-3 with a 3.83 ERA in 49 1/3 innings last year for the Orioles.
Because Webb has more than five years of big league service time -- he has five years and 11 days -- he cannot be sent to the minors without his consent. And because he has a guaranteed provision in his contract, that money is guaranteed no matter when he is released.
So really the Orioles have to release him and pay his contract or keep him in the majors – and there appears to be no spot. They could trade him and eat a larger portion of the contract, but they'd need to find a willing partner, which is unlikely since he soon could be available at the majors' minimum salary.
Once released, Webb could sign elsewhere at the league minimum of $507,500. The Orioles would not have to pay that portion of the $2.75 million if that occurs.
The Orioles must get down to 25 players on their major league roster by Sunday at 3 p.m.