Orioles release Valencia from contract

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 O's acquisition of infielder Jonathan Villar. 
The Orioles could not find a suitable trade partner for Valencia, but the utility infielder may be an attractive signing as a bench piece for a contender, as he owns a .303 batting average against lefties in 2018 and .312 for his career.
"I'd be surprised if they don't [pick him up]," Orioles manager Buck Showalter said. "There will be some interest now that that's kind of flushed out. I'll be surprised if Danny isn't playing again shortly for somebody."