The Baltimore Orioles have reportedly released backup catcher J.P. Arencibia on Thursday, according to Roch Kubatko of MASN.
Arencibia - a former player for the Toronto Blue Jays and Texas Rangers - went 2 for 17 in Spring Training before being reassigned to the Minor League camp after receiving a cortisone shot to relieve soreness in his left forearm. Arencibia was expected to remain with the club amongst the depth charts with Triple-A Norfolk.
The former first round pick of the Blue Jays hit just .177 with 10 home runs in 63 appearances with the Rangers last season.
He was selected No.21 overall by the Jays in the 2007 draft, but after spending four years in Toronto and dealing with some off-field issues with the media, the 29-year-old was non-tendered, making him a free agent. He eventually signed a one-year contract with Texas in December of 2013.
Arencibia signed a Minor League contract with the Orioles in January of this year.
In his five-year career, Arencibia is a .207 hitter with 74 HR and 228 RBI in 442 Major League games. His best year was his first full season in Toronto when he hit .219 with 23 HR and 78 RBI.
