Marlins sign Neil Walker to one-year deal - MLB

The Marlins announced the club signed infielder Neil Walker to a one-year contract on Tuesday. The deal is for $2 million, per The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal. Pitcher Nick Wittgren was designated for assignment in order to make room for Walker on the 40-man roster.

Walker, 33, spent last season with the Yankees. It turned out to be the worst season of his 10-year career, as he hit .219/.309/.354 with 11 home runs and 46 RBI in 398 plate appearances. Walker hasn’t played in more than 113 games since 2015, but the Marlins are hoping to utilize his flexibility. He has mostly played second base in his career, but has also logged 100-plus defensive innings at first base, third base, and in right field.

Follow @Baer_Bill

SARASOTA, Fla. – The Baltimore Orioles have optioned left-handers Bruce Zimmermann and Nick Vespi and reassigned infielder Lewin Díaz, left-hander Darwinzon Hernandez and catcher Mark Kolozsvary to minor league camp.

The Orioles announced the moves Monday.

Baltimore’s spring training roster now has 46 players.

Zimmermann made 13 starts last season. He went 2-5 with a 5.99 ERA.

The competition for rotation spots with the Orioles has been a significant story during spring training, but after the team acquired Cole Irvin and Kyle Gibson in the offseason – and with top prospect Grayson Rodriguez in the mix as well – there were a lot of pitchers Zimmermann needed to beat out.