Orioles send Alvarez to Triple-A

Pedro Alvarez, who landed a minor-league deal with the Baltimore Orioles this offseason after logging 109 games with them in 2016, won't break camp with the club, manager Buck Showalter announced, as the 30-year-old slugger was sent to Triple-A Norfolk on Thursday afternoon.

Brought back to compete for playing time in the outfield, Alvarez - who has only played first base, third base, and DH over his seven-year MLB career - will likely use his first minor-league assignment since 2011 to get more familiar with his new defensive responsibilities.

"I've been going out there as much as possible to get a comfortable look and a comfortable feel, and I felt pretty good," Alvarez told Jon Meoli of the Baltimore Sun earlier this month. "I'm happy with where I’m at and obviously when it’s games, it's a little different. I'm glad I was able to feel comfortable, and I know I'm only going to feel more and more comfortable with each rep that I get."

In nine spring games, Alvarez hit .310/.355/.552 with a pair of homers while converting both of his chances in the outfield.

Alvarez, who smashed 22 homers and managed a .826 OPS (115 OPS+) with the Orioles last year, will need to be added to the 40-man roster before he can be called up to Baltimore.