Orioles' Duquette confirms Hanley is 'under consideration'

Hanley Ramirez could soon find a new home while remaining in the American League East.

Baltimore Orioles executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette confirmed Saturday that the team is keeping Ramirez "under consideration," according to Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe.

Sources told The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal earlier Saturday that the Orioles had explored the possibility of signing Ramirez, though their level of interest was unclear. Duquette signed Ramirez as an international free agent in 2000 while serving as Boston Red Sox general manager.

The Orioles already have Chris Davis, Mark Trumbo, Pedro Alvarez, and Trey Mancini on the roster, all of whom have played first base and been used as a designated hitter during their Baltimore tenures. This makes Ramirez's fit somewhat awkward, though none have been very effective at the plate this season.

The former Red Sox slugger cleared waivers Friday and became a free agent when he was officially released.

After a hot start to 2018, Ramirez struggled mightily. He was mired in an 0-for-20 stretch over his final five games with the Red Sox before being designated for assignment.