Orioles rumors: Baltimore interested in Matt Lindstrom

The Baltimore Orioles are one of several teams interested in free agent right-hander Matt Lindstrom, according to Dan Connolly of The Baltimore Sun:

#Orioles among several teams interested in RHP Matt Lindstrom, key part of club's pen b4 traded to Dbacks 4 Saunders, whom Os want back too

— Dan Connolly (@danconnollysun) January 1, 2013

The Orioles acquired Lindstrom last offseason along with starting pitcher Jason Hammel from the Colorado Rockies in exchange for Jeremy Guthrie. The right-hander appeared in 34 games with the Orioles, posting an ERA of 2.72 over 36 1/3 innings.

Lindstrom was eventually traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for left-handed starting pitcher Joe Saunders in August. His success continued with Arizona, as he only allowed three runs over 10 2/3 innings with the Diamondbacks.

Lindstrom’s contract included a $4 million team option for the 2013 season, but the Diamondbacks decided to buyout his deal for $200,000, making the 32-year-old a free agent. Over 46 combined appearances last season with the Orioles and Diamondbacks, Lindstrom maintained an ERA of 2.68 with 7.7 strikeouts and 2.7 walks per nine innings.

Over six years at the major league level Lindstrom has posted an ERA of 3.64 with 7.3 strikeouts and 3.3 walks per nine innings.