The Orioles today announced that they have acquired left-handed pitcher MATT KROOK from the New York Yankees in exchange for cash considerations.
Krook, 29, did not have a decision in four appearances for the Yankees last season, posting a 24.75 ERA (11 ER/4.0 IP) with eight hits, one home run, six walks, and three strikeouts. He made his MLB debut in relief on June 16 at Boston. The lefty was 1-1 with a 1.32 ERA (5 ER/34.0 IP) with 10 hits, eight total runs, two hit batters, 26 walks, and 55 strikeouts in 27 games with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Krook’s .090 batting average against was the best in the minors for pitchers with at least 30.0 innings. He opened the season with the RailRiders and was recalled by New York four times during the year. He also had two stints on the Injured List at Triple-A from April 27 to May 13 and June 22 to August 22.
Krook was originally selected by the San Francisco Giants in the fourth round of the 2016 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of Oregon. He was also picked by the Miami Marlins in the Competitive Balance Round A (No. 35 overall) during the 2013 First-Year Player Draft out of St. Ignatius College Preparatory School (CA), but did not sign. The southpaw was traded along with outfielder Denard Span, infielder Christian Arroyo, and right-handed pitcher Stephen Woods by San Francisco to Tampa Bay for infielder Evan Longoria and cash considerations on December 20, 2017. The Yankees selected him from the Rays with the 16th pick in the Triple-A phase of the 2020 Rule 5 Draft. Krook was an MiLB.com Organizational All-Star in 2022 after ranking second in the International League in strikeouts (155) and third in wins (10) with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
To make room on the 40-man roster, infielder/outfielder DIEGO CASTILLO has been designated for assignment. The Orioles’ 40-man roster currently has 40 players.
Additionally, infielder LIVAN SOTO has been claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Angels.
