The Boston Red Sox designated right-handed pitcher Hector Velázquez for assignment last week to make room for pitcher Collin McHugh, and the Orioles wasted no time in claiming him off waivers on Sunday, according to Roch Kubatko.
Velázquez was a pivotal piece to the Red Sox World Series winning 2018 team, appearing in 47 games, making eight starts and going 7-2, while posting a 3.18 ERA.
The 31-year-old out of Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico, struggled through last season, going 1-4 with a 5.43 ERA in 34 appearances, including eight starts.
Velázquez will look to fill a long relief role for the Orioles, including making spot starts when necessary. The club had two 40-man roster spots available, one of which Velázquez will fill.
Velázquez, who was signed out of Mexico in 2017, has average stuff but could eat some innings for the Orioles in 2020.
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