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Garcia opts out, signs new Minors deal with O's

BALTIMORE -- Freddy Garcia, who was optioned Monday to make room for Kevin Gausman, opted out of his contract Thursday, before signing a new Minor League deal with the Orioles.

In his previous contract, Garcia had the choice to decline a Minor League assignment. He had 72 hours to make his decision once the Orioles optioned him, and he apparently chose to stick with the organization.

As soon as he opted out of his deal, Garcia became a free agent.

Manager Buck Showalter said he was happy Garcia stayed with the organization, rather than potentially pursue a free-agent deal with another club.

"We were hoping he would. It worked out well for both sides," Showalter said. "It presents some depth for us and we like the way Freddy has handled himself professionally and pitching at times at both levels."

Garcia may remain in the Minors as a rotation candidate, but Showalter didn't rule out a move to the bullpen. The manager said he wasn't sure Monday what Garcia would do, but felt he'd at least consider going to Triple-A in the Orioles' organization.

"I don't want to say I knew, but I felt like, all things being equal, unless he had a for-sure Major League job, that he'd stay here," Showalter said. "He likes it here, he likes the way he's treated and likes the way that things are done."

Brittany Ghiroli is a reporter for MLB.com. Read her blog, Britt's Bird Watch, and follow her on Twitter @britt_ghiroli. Derek Wetmore is an associate reporter for MLB.com.
Read More: Baltimore Orioles, Freddy Garcia