DETROIT -- Without second baseman Jonathan Schoop, the Orioles selected the contract of infielder Luis Sardinas from Triple-A Norfolk, penciling him in for Tuesday's series opener in Detroit. Schoop was placed on the 10-day disabled list last week due to a right oblique strain.
"He was with us a little last year, wasn't room for him breaking camp. We had some options and I wanted to get David [Hess] back pitching," manager Buck Showalter said of the corresponding move to send David Hess back to the Minors. "Luis is a versatile guy, kind of neutral splits, left- and right-[handed pitchers]. Can play multiple positions. Something that we need."
Sardinas went 0-for-3 with a walk in Tuesday's 4-2 loss to the Tigers.
Sardinas competed for a bench spot this spring and appeared in 29 games for the Padres last season. His arrival gives the Orioles a four-man bench again, and it should keep Timothy Beckham from moving back across the diamond to cover third. Showalter said he'd prefer to keep Beckham, who moved from shortstop this winter, at third base.
"It feels like the first time of my [big league] callup, very thankful, very happy to be here," Sardinas said through an interpreter. "Very thankful for the opportunity that's been presented. And I'm really honored to wear the Orioles jersey."