Orioles Designate Thaddeus Ward for Assignment, Clears Waivers

In a recent move, the Baltimore Orioles announced that right-hander Thaddeus Ward has cleared outright waivers and has been reassigned to Triple-A Norfolk. This development comes without prior notice that he had been removed from the Orioles' 40-man roster, which now stands at 37.

Ward, who will turn 28 in January, has not yet pitched for the Orioles. The team claimed him off waivers from the Washington Nationals in early November. However, his tenure on the Orioles' roster was short-lived, as he has now been bumped from his spot just over a month later.

Ward's journey in professional baseball began as a notable prospect within the Boston Red Sox organization. Despite his potential, he was left unprotected in the 2022 Rule 5 Draft, allowing the Nationals to select him. During his time with the Nationals in the 2023 season, Ward struggled to find his footing, posting a 6.37 earned run average over 26 relief appearances. Nevertheless, the Nationals were in a rebuilding phase and were likely content to endure Ward's subpar performance to secure his full rights.

​This latest transaction signifies a continued period of uncertainty for Ward, as he seeks to reestablish himself and regain a stable position within a major league roster. For the Orioles, this move provides flexibility as they continue to shape their roster heading into the new season.