The Athletics selected Watson with the sixth pick in the Rule 5 Draft on Wednesday and traded him to the Red Sox, per Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com.
A 28-year-old righty reliever from the Giants organization, Watson was originally drafted by the Orioles back in 2016 and he has never pitched in the big leagues. Last season, Watson logged a 4.26 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, 64 strikeouts, 16 walks and nine saves in 50.2 innings in the Pacific Coast League. The Red Sox will likely use the 6-foot-5 Watson in low-leverage situations if he makes the Opening Day roster.
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Giants' Ryan Watson: Traded to San Francisco
Rotowire
The Orioles traded Watson to the Giants on Friday in exchange for cash, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.
Watson has posted a 2.38 ERA and 0.97 WHIP through 22.2 total innings between the Orioles' Double-A and Triple-A affiliates this season. The 26-year-old righty will now likely report to Triple-A Sacramento upon joining his new organization, and he could be promoted to make his MLB debut later this season if he continues to impress in the minors.
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Orioles' Ryan Watson: Ready for spring debut
Rotowire
Watson (neck) is scheduled to appear in relief for the Orioles in Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Pirates, Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com reports.
Watson experienced neck tightness about two weeks ago and was briefly shut down as a result, but he's scheduled out fine during his subsequent bullpen sessions and live throwing sessions and will now make his spring debut. The 25-year-old right-hander is attending camp as a non-roster invitee and is likely to open the campaign at Triple-A Norfolk.
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Orioles' Ryan Watson: Resumes throwing
Rotowire
Watson said his neck is feeling better, and he has resumed throwing, Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com reports.
Watson missed his scheduled appearance Tuesday with neck soreness, but it doesn't seem to be an issue that will hold him out for long. The 25-year-old figures to get into game action before the end of spring training, and he will likely report to Triple-A Norfolk for the start of the season.
