O's ink ex-Tribe closer Perez to Minors deal

BALTIMORE -- Chris Perez, the two-time All-Star closer with the Indians who in late June was suspended for 50 games after testing positive for a drug of abuse, signed a Minor League deal with the Orioles on Thursday, according to multiple reports. The club has not confirmed the signing.

Because of the suspension, Triple-A Norfolk -- where Perez is expected to be placed -- will not lose a roster spot until the suspension is fulfilled.

"It doesn't affect us right now, obviously, for 50 games," manager Buck Showalter said before Thursday's game against Texas.

If placed on a roster immediately, Perez, 30, wouldn't be eligible to play until August.

"There are games played after August," Showalter said. "We all make some changes in our lives and get better."

Perez began the season with the Brewers' Triple-A club but opted out of the Minor League deal in late April. Since 2008 he has pitched in the Majors for the Cardinals, Indians and Dodgers; he became the full-time closer for Cleveland, recording 75 saves between the 2011 and 2012 seasons.