In 2020’s shortened 60-game season Pat Valaika was a valuable member of the Orioles. With the absence of first baseman Trey Mancini due to colon cancer surgery and chemotherapy and injuries to shortstop José Iglesias, Valaika filled in at each of the four infield positions and produced well.
Valaika hit .277 in 52 games with eight home runs and 16 RBIs.
This year, it’s been an entirely different story. Valaika has hit just .192 with four home runs and 21 RBIs, and on Thursday, the Orioles designated the 28-year-old for assignment after they claimed infielder/outfielder Jorge Mateo on waivers from San Diego.
Mateo, a 26-year-old right-handed hitter, hit .207 with two home runs and six RBIs in 57 games with the Padres.
He’s played all three outfield positions as well as second base, shortstop and third base, and has never committed an error in 56 chances in 43 games in the field in 2020 and 2021.
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