BALTIMORE -- Five days after designating him for assignment, the Orioles have released Danny Valencia from his contract. The infielder is now a free agent and can sign with any team.
Valencia, a nine-year veteran in his second stint with Baltimore, was one of the most consistent contributors in the lineup once he took over as the everyday third baseman after Tim Beckham went on the disabled list with a left groin strain on April 25. Valencia owned a .292 batting average on June 27, but that began to drop off by the time he lost playing time and consistent at-bats with the return of Beckham and the Orioles' acquisition of infielder Jonathan Villar.