LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The Orioles optioned Mike Wright to Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday, giving the club 37 players in camp with more cuts expected to come soon.
Wright allowed 11 runs (nine earned) and 17 hits in four appearances over 9 2/3 innings. He gave up five runs and seven hits in two innings in his last game against the Twins in Fort Myers, Fla.
Wright is still in the mix to be the O's fifth starter, as the club does not plan on making that decision by Opening Day. The Orioles won't need a fifth starter until April 15, and this move allows Wright to get on a starting schedule and into a rhythm as part of Norfolk's rotation.
The Orioles also released infielder Chris Johnson on Monday night and outfielder Michael Bourn, though the moves were more contract-related and the club hopes to re-sign both soon.