Orioles claim left-handed reliever Cionel Pérez on waivers

The Orioles claimed left-handed pitcher Cionel Pérez on waivers from the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday.

Pérez was 1-2 with a 6.38 ERA in 25 games with the Reds this past season. From 2018-2020, Pérez, a 25-year-old Cuban native, was 1-1 with a 5.74 ERA in 20 games with Houston.

Orioles executive vice president/general manager Mike Elias was with the Astros as their scouting director when Pérez signed with the team as an international free agent in 2016.

Pérez’s acquisition fills the Orioles’ 40-man roster.

The Orioles have two other left-handed relievers on the 40-man roster — Paul Fry and Tanner Scott, both of whom must be offered contracts by November 30^th. Neither finished the season with the Orioles. Fry was sent to Triple-A Norfolk on August 29^th and didn’t return. Scott ended the season on the 10-day injured list because of a knee injury.