Orioles Designate Rick Vandenhurk, Clear Space for Betemit

The Baltimore Orioles have announced they're designating Rick Vandenhurk for assignment, according to Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun. The club is moving Vandenhurk to open a spot for recently signed Wilson Betemit. Britt Ghiroli of mlb.com clarifies Betemit's contract is a two-year deal with a vesting option.

Vandenhurk, 26, pitched just nine innings in 2011 and seventeen in 2010. He has a career 5.97 ERA.

• Twitter / @danconnollysun - "Orioles announce Rick Vandenhurk has been designated for assignment."
• Twitter / @Britt_Ghiroli - "Orioles DFA Rick Vandenhurk, announce Betermits deal is a two-year contract w. a vesting option for 2014."

• Baltimore Orioles Sign Wilson Betemit - MLB Daily Dish
  Betemit, 30, is a 9-year veteran journeyman and the Orioles will be his 7th club (if I'm counting correctly - ATL, LAD, NYY, CHW, KCR, DET...BAL). He's a career .269 / .336 / .448 hitter and Baltimore could do worse than have that perfectly acceptable on-base to help fill out their bench. Connolly notes that Betemit "isn't known for his D," which is somewhat kind, but will likely DH and fill out some infield utility for the club:
• Baltimore Orioles Notes: Talking Koji Uehara, Wilson Betemit Deal, Release Kyle Hudson - MLB Daily Dish
• Baltimore Orioles Complete Organizational Chart - MLB Daily Dish