Orioles claim Luis Sardinas off waivers from Padres

The Orioles have claimed infielder Luis Sardinas off waivers after the 24-year-old was recently designated for assignment by the Padres.

The switch-hitting Sardinas was once a top-100 prospect during his time in the Rangers organization back in 2013 before being involved in a trade with the Brewers for Yovani Gallardo.

Sardinas was solid during his time with the Padres last year, batting .287 with two home runs in 34 games. Most expected the shortstop position to be his to lose coming into spring training this year, but Sardinas struggled and lost the job to Erick Aybar.

In 53 plate appearances this season, Sardinas owns a slash line of .163/.226/.163. Needless to say, he has yet to tap into the potential that many scouts thought Sardinas to have when he was with the Rangers. The Orioles hope to find some type of production out of Sardinas, who figures to mainly play the middle infield when he finds himself in the lineup.

Sardinas was designated for assignment by the Padres almost immediately after the team added utility infielder Chase d’Arnaud. Sardinas now finds himself on an Orioles team that is just two games out of first place in the AL East, despite being in the midst of a four-game losing streak.