The Orioles have optioned first baseman Joe Mahoney to clear a 25-man roster spot for Saturday starter Zach Britton, according to The Baltimore Sun's Eduardo A. Encina.
Update: The Orioles have confirmed the transaction via a press release.
With pitcher Steve Johnson remaining on the roster for a potential long-relief, the Orioles have just three bench hitters for Saturday's game against the Tigers: C Taylor Teagarden, IF Omar Quinatanilla and OF Lew Ford.
Britton's last major-league start came on Aug. 7 when he allowed seven runs (four earned) in five innings against the Mariners. He returns to a 1-1 record, 8.10 ERA and 2.01 WHIP.
Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com suggested IF/OF Ryan Flaherty could be recalled by the Orioles before long. Flaherty is currently on the disabled list with a bacterial infection.
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the latest rumors from bloggers Chris Cwik, Jack Moore and R.J. White, follow @MLBRumorsCBS.
