Question: I assume the reason the Orioles were willing to designate Emmanuel Rivera, who had a much more productive year, is that he has fewer or no options remaining compared to the two remaining for Luis Vásquez? From: Jim Vitak
Answer: Jim, you’re not he only fan wondering about the Orioles swapping out Rivera for Vásquez. Gary Filmore wonders about it, and Mark Eisner wants to know about the $1 million contract for 2025 that Rivera signed in November.
Barring multiple injuries to corner infielders, Rivera was going to have a hard time making the Orioles’ Opening Day roster, and then he’d have to pass through waivers.
The Orioles could try to trade him, which is possible, but the team that trades for him is responsible for the $1 million contract. If a team claims him off waivers, they’re also responsible for that contract.
If he passes through waivers, and the Orioles want to keep him, he can come to spring training as a non-roster player. If they decide to cut him instead, he’d be owed 30 days termination pay.
As for Vásquez, the Orioles are trying to accumulate some middle infielders for Triple-A Norfolk. They already have Liván Soto, who passed through waivers.
Because they’ve traded several middle infield prospects in the past few years, they don’t have many major league-ready infielders they can call up if they need them.
Question: Is Danny Coulombe still unsigned? Has he been invited to someone’s camp? Just what is his health issue? From: Don Fazio
Answer: Don, Danny Coulombe remains unsigned. He’s one of a few top-rated relievers who hasn’t yet signed with a team, and that’s surprising to me.
He missed more than three months last season after bone chips were removed from his left elbow.
Coulombe is a really good guy, and I hope he’s able to continue his career.
Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style.