Orioles Option Three

The Orioles have announced that OF Xavier Avery, LHP Mike Belfiore and RHP Zach Clark have been optioned to AAA Norfolk, bringing the camp roster down to 53.

Avery, the toolsy outfielder famously coaxed out of a commitment to the University of Georgia, was drafted in the 2nd Round in 2008 and made his major league debut last season. He had played sparingly in camp, walking 4 times and striking out 8 in 16 plate appearances.

Belfiore, the return from the Diamondbacks in the Josh Bell trade, had a successful 2012 (his first full year as a reliever) culminating in a well-regarded performance in the Arizona Fall League. He appeared in 4 games, striking out 6 and walking 1.

Clark, the veteran groundball artist, did not disappoint on that front, inducing 12 groundouts in 7 innings of work. The UMBC alum and Newark, DE native earned Buck Showalter's praise and has become something of a darling among the beats.

See you soon, lads.