Major League Baseball

Orioles OF David Lough designated for assignment

Published Aug. 14, 2015 5:30 p.m. ET

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BALTIMORE (AP) Outfielder David Lough has been designated for assignment by the Baltimore Orioles, who needed the roster spot for a backup catcher.

The move Friday coincided with the recall of catcher Steve Clevenger from Triple-A Norfolk.

With starting catcher Matt Wieters day to day with a strained right hamstring, Clevenger was summoned to play behind Caleb Joseph.

''Obviously we need a second catcher, and Steve's having a solid year down there,'' manager Buck Showalter said.

Lough is batting .202 with four homers and 12 RBIs in 76 games. The Orioles have 10 days to trade or release him before placing him on waivers.

If Lough ends up passing through waivers without being claimed, he has the option of accepting an assignment to Baltimore's minor league system. If that occurs, Lough could be recalled in September when rosters expand to 40 players.

''David, other than not being with us in the big leagues right now, is in a good spot,'' Showalter said. ''Because he's either going to be in the big leagues with somebody else or he's going to be getting at-bats he needs to get back to where he's capable of being down in Norfolk with the potential to come back here in September.''

Lough, 29, came to the Orioles in a December 2013 trade that sent Danny Valencia to Kansas City. Lough batted .247 in a career-high 112 games last season.

This season, however, his playing time and batting average dwindled. He became expendable after the Orioles got outfielder Gerardo Parra in a July 31 trade with Milwaukee.

Lough is the fifth Baltimore outfielder to be designated for assignment this season. He follows Delmon Young, Alejandro De Aza, Chris Parmelee and Travis Snider.

Showalter said Baltimore intends to recall outfielder Henry Urrutia from the minors on Saturday. Newcomer Junior Lake is the most likely to be optioned.

Clevenger hit .455 over four games in an earlier stint with the Orioles this year. He was an International League All-Star this season and batted .305 in 75 games with the Tides.

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