The Orioles announced this afternoon that left-hander Cole Irvin has cleared waivers and accepted an outright assignment to Triple-A. This follows his designation for assignment on the trade deadline day last week.
The 30-year-old lefty, a fifth-round pick by the Phillies in the 2016 draft, spent his first two seasons pitching out of the bullpen in Philadelphia. He found success after being traded to the A’s in a cash deal before the 2021 season. In Oakland, Irvin transitioned to the rotation, delivering middling results with a 4.11 ERA and 4.25 FIP over 359 1/3 innings in two seasons. This innings total ranked 13th in baseball over that period, making him a valuable acquisition for an Orioles team in need of rotation stability.
Baltimore acquired Irvin and pitching prospect Kyle Virbitsky from Oakland in exchange for infield prospect Darell Hernaiz, aiming to add depth to their rotation for the 2023 season. However, Irvin struggled early, posting a 10.66 ERA in three starts and was optioned to Triple-A. He returned as a swingman in mid-June, performing well with a 3.22 ERA and 4.25 FIP over 64 1/3 innings, earning a $2 million arbitration contract for his depth role.
Irvin’s role proved crucial as the Orioles dealt with injuries to starters Kyle Bradish, Grayson Rodriguez, John Means, Tyler Wells, and Dean Kremer. Despite a strong mid-season performance, posting a 1.88 ERA in ten appearances, Irvin’s form deteriorated, leading to his reassignment to the bullpen and eventually, his designation for assignment.
Now in Triple-A, Irvin serves as a non-roster depth option for the Orioles, backing up a rotation that includes Rodriguez, Kremer, and Corbin Burnes, along with deadline additions Zach Eflin and Trevor Rogers. Injuries to these players or long reliever Albert Suarez could open a path for Irvin’s return to the majors, though he would need to surpass prospects Cade Povich and Chayce McDermott, who are already on the 40-man roster.
