The Orioles released left-hander Wade LeBlanc on Thursday, further bringing their rotation picture in focus. LeBlanc was in camp on a Minor League deal and is now a free agent.

A 12-year veteran of eight teams, LeBlanc, 36, made six starts for Baltimore in 2020, pitching to an 8.06 ERA before suffering a season-ending stress fracture in his left elbow. He allowed two earned runs across eight Grapefruit League innings this spring, though the bulk of his work came in intrasquad and backfield action. He was part of a jumbled mix of competing swingman/longman types in Orioles camp, profiling as a potential depth option either in the rotation or bullpen.

At least two rotation jobs appeared open at the start of camp; Matt Harvey officially earned one Thursday, hours before LeBlanc’s release. The team still must make a decision on veteran right-hander Félix Hernández, whose status is uncertain due to right elbow discomfort. But no matter what happens on that front, LeBlanc’s release could pave the way for swingmen Jorge López and Bruce Zimmermann to both make the team. Both are enjoying strong springs, and are already on the 40-man roster.