The Baltimore Orioles have made a savvy bullpen addition, signing veteran right-hander Lou Trivino to a one-year contract. The move comes just three days after Trivino was released from a minor league deal with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Trivino, 34, showed he still has plenty left in the tank during his time with the Phillies' Triple-A affiliate in Lehigh Valley. In 10 relief appearances for the IronPigs, he posted a sparkling 2.77 ERA and a perfect 3-0 record. His performance caught the eye of Orioles manager Craig Albernaz, who recalled Trivino's electric stuff from his prime.
"Heavy sinker. Turbo sinker," Albernaz said of the right-hander. "I just remember him just attacking hitters no matter what the circumstance was. Obviously he's had an arm injury since then. I wouldn't say back to his form, but he's healthy and he's back pitching. He's throwing the ball extremely well. The (velocity) is there."
Trivino's career has seen plenty of action across six major league seasons. He's pitched for the Oakland Athletics (2018-22), New York Yankees (2022), and most recently had stints with the San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Dodgers, and New York Mets in 2025. Overall, he's 24-27 with a 3.87 ERA in 229 relief appearances and three starts. His journey hit a major roadblock in May 2023 when he underwent Tommy John surgery, but this signing signals he's ready to contribute again.
To make room on the roster, the Orioles optioned right-hander Trey Gibson to Triple-A Norfolk. Gibson made his major league debut on Sunday, starting against the New York Yankees. Additionally, right-hander Albert Suárez cleared outright waivers and accepted an assignment to Norfolk's Triple-A team.
The Orioles are also managing several other injury situations. Infielder Jordan Westburg, who has been on the injured list since spring training with a sprained right UCL, experienced discomfort when he increased the intensity and distance of his throwing program. Albernaz confirmed Westburg will be re-evaluated.
There's better news on the horizon for Baltimore's lineup. Second baseman Jackson Holliday, who underwent surgery on February 12 to repair a broken hamate bone in his right hand, had his return delayed by a sore right wrist. He's scheduled to take batting practice on Tuesday at Double-A Chesapeake and could resume a rehab assignment later this week. Holliday played in 14 minor league games from March 27 to April 21 before the setback.
Outfielder Heston Kjerstad, who has been sidelined since straining his right hamstring during a spring training game on March 19, could also begin a rehab assignment soon. With Trivino now in the fold and these key players nearing returns, the Orioles are building depth for what promises to be an exciting season.