Eveland DFAed, Os claim Wheeler

The Orioles designated Dana Eveland for assignment on Thursday afternoon, claiming Zelous Wheeler on  waivers from the Milwaukee Brewers in a corresponding move. The 28-year-old Eveland pitched Wednesday and afterward said he felt he was out of the starting rotation competition. The journeyman, who has been a part of seven clubs, said the move was a little shocking given the timing but understood the  nature of the business.

“I felt like I could have pitched better,”said Eveland who went 1-2 with a 3.46 ERA in six games (three starts).”I don’t feel like I did bad at all. It’s a tough competition, but we’ve got guys who have to be on the team and I wasn’t one of those guys.

So, I kind of had not much of a shot.”

The move leaves the Orioles with three lefties in camp who could fill a bullpen role: Zach Philips, Troy Patton and Tsuyoshi Wada, although the preference remains for Wada to be a starter. The Orioles acquired Eveland from the Dodgers at December’s Winter Meetings and agreed to terms with him on a one-year, $750,000 deal later in the month. Eveland said he would accept an assignment at Triple-A Norfolk if he clears waivers, and while the team approached him about playing in Japan earlier this spring, he would prefer to stay and keep his family in the United States.

Wheeler, 25, is a .271 hitter with a .371 on-base percentage in five Minor League seasons. He’s primarily a third baseman but has also played shortstop, second base and left field, and dabbled in catching during down time in last year’s Arizona Fall League.