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The Orioles acquired Michael Morse from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for minor league outfielder Xavier Avery, the teams announced via press release on Friday.
Morse was claimed on waivers on Wednesday and has previously been a trade target of the Orioles. The 31-year old outfielder fills the need for a big bat in the Orioles lineup. With Baltimore, Morse will likely see some time at the designated hitter (a position where the Orioles have hit only .220 this season), as well as time in left field versus left-handed pitching. The Orioles have only hit .247 against lefties this season.
So far this season, Morse is only hitting .226/.283/.410 with 13 home runs and 27 RBI in 307 plate appearances. Earlier this season, Morse missed five weeks due to injury. Morse is a career .284/.338/.479 hitter and had his best season in Washington in 2011.
Avery played 32 games in Baltimore this season and hit .223/.305/.340 with six doubles, one home run and six RBI.
The Orioles also made a waiver claim on Twins outfielder Josh Willingham, but were not able to complete a deal with Minnesota. Willingham has a bigger salary than Morse and is signed on for another year, making Morse a more attractive option for general manager Dan Duquette.