BALTIMORE — Outfielder Delmon Young has finalized a $2.25 million, one-year contract to play a second season with the Baltimore Orioles.
In his debut with the Orioles in 2014, Young batted .302 with seven homers and 30 RBIs in 83 games. He was most productive as a pinch hitter, going 10-for-20.
Young saved his biggest hit for the postseason, driving in three runs with a pinch-hit double in a comeback victory over the Detroit Tigers in the American League Division Series.
The loss of free agent outfielder Nick Markakis to the Atlanta Braves could lead to extended playing time for the 29-year-old Young, according to Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette.
“Delmon Young is an accomplished major league hitter who had a nice year with a lot of clutch hits in part-time duty in 2014,” Duquette said. “We look forward to his return and contribution to our 2015 team. Depending on how the team is structured, he could have a more vital role this season.”
Originally selected by the Tampa Bay Rays with the first overall pick in the 2003 amateur draft, Young has a .283 batting average over 1,066 games.
To make room for Young on the 40-man roster, the Orioles designated catcher Ryan Lavarnway for assignment Friday. Lavarnway, who spent four seasons with the Boston Red Sox from 2011-14, has been let go by four teams since November 2014. Baltimore claimed him off waivers from the Chicago Cubs last month.
Laranway became expendable after free agent catcher J.P. Arencibia agreed to a minor league contract with an invitation to major league spring training camp.
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