BALTIMORE -- The Orioles acquired left-hander Andrew Faulkner from the Rangers on Thursday for a player to be named later or cash considerations. Baltimore released outfielder and newly converted pitcher Dariel Alvarez to clear a spot on the 40-man roster.
Faulkner, who will be optioned to Triple-A Norfolk, was considered a solid prospect in the Rangers' organization as a starting pitcher before being switched to the bullpen in 2015. He made Texas' Opening Day roster in '16 but gave up four runs in 4 1/3 innings over five appearances and was optioned to the Minors.
The 24-year-old pitched for the Rangers over three stints and finished with a 6.75 ERA in nine appearances. He posted a 3.97 ERA in 41 appearances at Triple-A Round Rock, and he has a career 35-24 record with a 3.49 ERA and 460 strikeouts in 165 Minor League games (76 starts).
The 28-year-old Alvarez, once thought to be a top outfield prospect, entered this spring buried on the depth chart. He had also recently hurt his elbow and was reportedly headed for Tommy John surgery. Alvarez was hesitant to make the switch to pitcher but agreed when told he could still get some outfield work and hit. Alvarez played in two games for the Orioles in 2016, going 1-for-3 with a double and a walk.