Orioles first baseman/catcher/DH/outfielder Jake Fox was designated for assignment to make room for pitcher Brian Matusz coming off the disabled list. Fox told reporters that the Orioles are attempting to trade the right-handed slugger, who is batting just .188 with 2 home runs in 48 at-bats.
Fox generated some interest when he was with the Cubs, particularly from teams looking for a Jack Cust like player (ie. someone with power but not necessarily a position to play). He works incredibly hard and would likely benefit from a switch to the National League, as much of a cliche that is becoming.
"If a guy is playing well and hitting well, it’s not that hard to find opportunities," manager Buck Showalter said on Tuesday. "Jake hasn’t made good use of the opportunities he’s had, with some exceptions. We saw in Spring Training, in that environment, what he’s capable of. So we will see."
Fox could prove to be an option for the Giants or Twins, especially because both clubs need to take advantage of players who are hot, and having a power bat like Fox who can multiple positions makes it easier to make those adjustments.