The Orioles traded McDermott to the Dodgers on Thursday in exchange for minor-league pitcher Axel Perez, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports. McDermott was DFA'd by Baltimore on Saturday, but his move to the Dodgers will put him back on a 40-man roster. The 27-year-old has made all five of his appearances at Triple-A this year, where he's given up four earned runs across 5.1 innings while striking out nine batters and walking six. He'll report to Triple-A Oklahoma City to begin his tenure in his new organization.
Baltimore designated McDermott for assignment Saturday, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports. McDermott was unable to break camp with the Orioles and has struggled in the early going as part of Triple-A Norfolk's bullpen, allowing four earned runs and walking six batters -- albeit with nine strikeouts -- over 5.1 innings across five appearances. The right-handed hurler will now lose his spot on the 40-man roster, with catcher Maverick Handley -- who had his contract selected by the Orioles on Saturday in the wake of Adley Rutschman's placement on the 10-day IL due to a left ankle injury -- assuming that 40-man slot.
The Orioles optioned McDermott to Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports. McDermott has impressed the Orioles this spring as he makes a full-time move to the bullpen, but he will continue working on things at Norfolk at the beginning of the season. The 27-year-old has a 6:1 K:BB in three innings during Grapefruit League play but has also served up three solo home runs.