Almanzar, Jones sign Minor League deals

BALTIMORE -- The Orioles announced Wednesday that they have signed nine players to Minor League deals, including the re-signing of infielder Michael Almanzar and left-hander Chris Jones.

Almanzar was selected from the Red Sox's farm system during last year's Rule 5 Draft. He came to Spring Training expecting to compete for a spot at third base due to Manny Machado's injury. He posted a .200 average in 19 Grapefruit League games, but he was placed on the disabled listed March 30, retroactive to March 23, with left knee tendinitis. Almanzar was transferred to the 60-day disabled list on June 6, and when the O's were unable to add him to the active roster after his rehab stint, he was returned to Boston on July 1.

The Orioles acquired Almanzar again, along with Boston infielder Kelly Johnson, for Jemile Weeks and Ivan DeJesus Jr. on Aug. 30. Almanzar was limited to just five games for Triple-A Norfolk due to injuries.

The O's designated Jones for assignment in Spring Training to create a 40-man roster spot for Nelson Cruz. Jones was released from the organization several days later, but the club re-signed him to a Triple-A contract in March. Jones went 8-8 with a 3.61 ERA in 35 games (14 starts) for Norfolk.

The Orioles also signed pitchers Frank Gailey, Tim Gustafson, Kenn Kasparek, Mikey O'Brien and Ronan Pacheco, infielder/outfielder Derrik Gibson and made official the signing reported earlier this week of shortstop Ozzie Martinez.