Orioles claim left-hander Ty Blach off waivers from Giants, designate José Rondón for assignment

The Orioles claimed left-hander Ty Blach off waivers from the San Francisco Giants on Saturday, continuing a run of no-risk pitching additions over the last month to help them get through the rest of the season. He was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk.

Blach, 28, was designated for assignment Sunday after spending most of the year at Triple-A Sacramento, where he had a 5.93 ERA with a 1.604 WHIP in 17 appearances (15 starts). Blach made two appearances for the Giants this year, allowing 10 runs on 14 hits in 6 1/3 innings.

He had more major league success previously. Blach made his big league debut in September 2016 after pitching to a 3.43 ERA in Triple-A, and had ERAs of 4.78 and 4.25 in 2017 and 2018, respectively. He pitched as both a starter and reliever.

In a corresponding move, the Orioles designated infielder José Rondón for assignment. Rondón, 25, had one at-bat with the Orioles after joining the team Thursday as a waiver claim. He could be a candidate to get through waivers and go to Norfolk.

To take Rondón’s major league roster spot, the Orioles recalled right-hander Branden Kline from Norfolk. Kline gives the Orioles 14 pitchers and just two bench players for Saturday’s game, which manager Brandon Hyde said was to make sure the team went into the upcoming series against the New York Yankees in good shape.

Hyde noted that right-hander Miguel Castro has been sick and unavailable this week, and they are preparing for a likely bullpen game Monday.

When the time comes, Hyde said, they will likely add an outfielder. In the meantime, he issued faint praise for the pitchers who might be able to deputize in the field in an emergency.

“Paul Fry is athletic, does a nice job shagging,” Hyde said. “Miguel Castro is a power-shagger. I think you saw [Dylan] Bundy’s at-bats. He talks a big game without a whole lot of substance, even though he continues to say he switch-hits, but does it matter? That’s about it.”

Around the horn

Hyde said left-hander John Means (shoulder) could come off the injured list to start Wednesday against the Yankees. ... Hyde also said left fielder Dwight Smith Jr. (calf) is progressing, but not close to returning.