Pedro Araujo was designated for assignment by the Orioles Wednesday, just over a week before he would have fulfilled his Rule 5 roster requirements and been able to be optioned to the minors, and replaced him with right-hander Matt Wotherspoon.
Araujo, 25, was selected in the Rule 5 draft ahead of the 2018 season but missed most of the season with an elbow injury. He had to be on the roster for 16 more days this season before he could be optioned to the minors, but after a rough spring, Araujo allowed a two-run home run in his only appearance of the season Monday, and didn't get another chance.