The Orioles managed to acquire an actual baseball player in exchange for Alejandro De Aza, netting minor league pitcher Joe Gunkel from the Red Sox.
The Orioles announced on Wednesday evening that they have traded outfielder Alejandro De Aza and cash considerations to the Red Sox in exchange for a real human being who also plays professional baseball, namely minor league right-hander Joe Gunkel.
De Aza, who was designated for assignment by the Orioles on May 27, would have had to be traded or released by Saturday. Since De Aza is making $5 million this year, the O's would have been on the hook for the entire salary if they were forced to release him.