Orioles bring back Delmon Young
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Baltimore, MD (SportsNetwork.com) - Outfielder Delmon Young has returned to the Baltimore Orioles on a one-year contract, the team officially announced Friday.
MASNsports.com reported the deal to be worth a guaranteed $2.25 million and could earn Young up to $3 million with incentives.
Signed to a minor league contract by Baltimore last January, Young hit a solid .302 with seven home runs and 30 RBI in just 242 at-bats in 2014. The former No. 1 overall pick also led the majors with a .500 average (10-for-20) as a pinch hitter during the regular season, then delivered a go-ahead three-run double off the bench in the eighth inning that keyed the Orioles' Game 2 win over Detroit in the American League Division Series.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Young may be in line for an increased role this season with Baltimore losing AL home run champion Nelson Cruz and outfielder Nick Markakis in free agency.
Catcher Ryan Lavarnway was designated for assignment to make room for Young on the 40-man roster.
Lavarnway, who played in 97 games for Boston from 2011-14, has been with three different organizations since being DFA'd by the Red Sox in late November. The Orioles claimed the 27-year-old off waivers from the Chicago Cubs, who previously claimed Lavarnway from the Los Angeles Dodgers, on Dec. 23.