Orioles claim Alexi Casilla from Twins

The Baltimore Orioles have claimed second baseman Alexi Casilla off waivers from the Minnesota Twins, reports Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun.

Second base was one of the Orioles major targets as they entered the offseason. Veteran Brian Roberts continues to be hampered by injuries, and it’s no sure bet that he’ll ever again be a full-time player at the major league level.

Baltimore used a combination of Robert Andino and Ryan Flaherty in place of Roberts this season. While both have shown flashes of talent, neither performed well at the plate. Andino appears to be more of a utility player and Flaherty was the Orioles’ Rule 5 Draft selection a year ago.

Casilla isn’t someone that’s known for his offense either, as he hit .241/.282/.321 over 299 at-bats for the Twins last season. The 28-year-old owns a career line of .250/.305/.334 over seven seasons.

Casilla may not be the answer, and the Orioles may not be finished addressing the position, but he represents a low-cost move that will add competition at second base.