Veteran righty Albert Suarez has once again returned to the Orioles on a minor league deal. Baltimore’s Triple-A affiliate announced the agreement, as relayed by Andy Kostka of the Baltimore Banner. Suarez was most recently bumped off the roster last weekend. He’ll head to Norfolk and await his next big-league opportunity.

Baltimore has shuttled Suarez through the DFA process five times this season. In each instance, he’s passed through waivers and found his way back to the organization, whether through free agency or outright assignment. The arrangement has allowed the Orioles to use Suarez to soak up innings with the big-league club, then hand his roster spot to someone else as needed.

Suarez has posted mediocre results during his stints in the majors. It’s a 4.12 ERA, and he’s probably been fortunate. Suarez has a 4.75 xFIP and a 4.58 SIERA. He’s done his job, though, covering 59 innings over 27 appearances. In his most recent stretch with the Orioles, Suarez tossed an inning last Thursday, then came back and chucked 62 pitches over three innings on one day of rest.

The 36-year-old Suarez made his MLB return in 2024 after five seasons in Asia. He was mostly a starter in NPB and KBO. Suarez was primarily a starter in his first season with the Orioles, but he’s transitioned to a relief role in recent years. The righty has made just five starts between the minors and majors since the start of 2025.

Photo courtesy of Gregory Fisher, Imagn Images