The Orioles originally signed veteran hitter Danny Valencia as injury insurance during spring training. They designated him for assignment Friday because they needed a roster spot for rookie center fielder Cedric Mullins.
In between, Valencia was one of the more consistent hitters on an inconsistent offensive team, but he never figured to be around long once the organization decided to embark on a major roster rebuild.
Executive vice president Dan Duquette informed Valencia he had been designated early Friday afternoon.
The move places Valencia in limbo while the Orioles decide what to do with him.