Orioles Designate Cristian Pache for Assignment
The team made significant roster moves, including activating Eloy Jiménez and Austin Slater.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Baseball
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The Baltimore Orioles have designated outfielder Cristian Pache for assignment and placed Jordan Westburg on the 10-day injured list. Simultaneously, the club activated Eloy Jiménez, Austin Slater, and Trevor Rogers while recalling infielder Liván Soto.
Why it matters
The Orioles are recalibrating their roster to bolster bench depth and defensive stability for the final stretch of the season. By prioritizing players like Austin Slater, the team aims to improve its platoon options.
Cristian Pache has recorded 12 Defensive Runs Saved and 16 Outs Above Average across 1,300 outfield innings. Meanwhile, Heston Kjerstad, who was optioned to the minors, maintains a 29.6% strikeout rate alongside an 11.1% walk rate.
The players
Cristian Pache
An outfielder who has played for several clubs including the Atlanta Braves, Oakland Athletics, and Philadelphia Phillies.
Eloy Jiménez
A power-hitting outfielder formerly with the Chicago White Sox who was acquired by Baltimore to add offensive depth.
Austin Slater
A veteran outfielder previously with the San Francisco Giants and Cincinnati Reds known for his defensive versatility and platoon utility.
Jordan Westburg
A key infielder for the Orioles who has been placed on the 10-day injured list.
Heston Kjerstad
A young outfielder for the Orioles who has been optioned to the minor leagues multiple times throughout the current season.
The details
The front office designated Pache for assignment to clear a roster spot after prioritizing the acquisition of Austin Slater as a defensive upgrade. Furthermore, the club optioned Keegan Akin and Heston Kjerstad to the minor leagues to facilitate the activation of three other players.
Timeline
Cristian Pache exhausted his final option season in 2022.
Heston Kjerstad was first sent down to the minor leagues on Opening Day.
The team recalled Kjerstad to the major league roster in late April.
The Orioles optioned Kjerstad to the minor leagues in the middle of May.
Kjerstad returned to the major league roster in late June.
Season Trajectory
These roster moves reflect the Orioles attempt to optimize their lineup through the constraints of the 10-day injured list. The team is balancing current depth needs against the long-term development of prospects like Heston Kjerstad.
The activation of Eloy Jiménez and Austin Slater suggests they will see increased playing time in the outfield and designated hitter slots. Meanwhile, the departure of Cristian Pache leaves the defensive bench thinner, potentially impacting late-game substitution strategies.
The takeaway
Roster fluidity is a standard part of the MLB season as teams fight for position in the standings. Fans should monitor waiver wire reports and team option decisions to see how the bench composition evolves for the remainder of the year.
What happens next
The Orioles will likely place Cristian Pache on waivers in the coming days, and the organization is expected to decide on a $3 million club option for Eloy Jiménez.
Further reading
For more updates on the team, visit the Baltimore Baseball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MLB Trade Rumors.
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