Following the trade of Bryan Baker to the Tampa Bay Rays late last week, the impression is that the Baltimore Orioles are getting ready to have an active MLB trade deadline season. Once the MLB Draft is completed on Monday, the focus of front offices will shift to the deadline at the end of the month. The Orioles are seemingly preparing their 40-man roster for multiple moves, as evidenced by the team's decision to open a spot by designating Corbin Martin for assignment on Sunday morning.
If you blinked, you likely missed Martin's lone appearance for the Orioles this season. Pitching an inning and a third against the Texas Rangers on July 2, Martin only gave up 1 hit while striking out 2 during the Orioles' 6-0 loss. For Martin, his appearance with the Orioles marked the first time he's been back at the Major League level since 2022 with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Orioles drop another player as trade deadline overhaul heats up
With less than five years of service time, Martin wouldn't be able to block an outright assignment if he clears waivers. Prior to his work with the Major League team, Martin posted a 5.29 ERA in 32 1/3 innings pitched at the Triple-A level. That said, given his abbreviated but successful outing with the Major League team, there could be a team that takes a gamble on him if a need exists in the bullpen.
Taking Martin's spot on the 26-man roster for the Orioles is left-hander Grant Wolfram, who was the extra player added to their roster for their doubleheader sweep of the New York Mets last week. In 3 appearances out of the Orioles' bullpen this season, Wolfram has allowed 2 runs on 4 hits while striking out 5.
The moves made by the Orioles in the last week are likely only setting the stage for the deadline. Assuming the Orioles sell at the deadline, their in a position to be among the most active teams considering the rental players they have to offer. After the move on Sunday, the Orioles' 40-man roster now sits at 39.