Baltimore Orioles Trade Luis Ayala to the Atlanta Braves

The Baltimore Orioles have traded right-handed reliever Luis Ayala to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for left handed minor league pitcher Chris Jones. The trade was announced via the Orioles' Twitter account:

Last season, Ayala was a solid contributor to the Orioles' stellar bullpen, finishing with a 2.64 ERA over 75 innings of work. So far this season, he has made two appearances for the Orioles, going two innings, allowing four runs and picking up a win.

Ayala, 35, was on the trading block likely due to the emergence of Rule 5 draft pick T.J. McFarland. The Orioles may have traded him sooner if not for the injury to Brian Roberts. Roberts' injury made room for O's starter Chris Tillman, who was activated from the disabled list on April 6, the day of his first start.

The Orioles made the move now to make room for outfielder Chris Dickerson, who was removed after one inning from Triple-A Norfolk's game Tuesday night. Adding Dickerson will give the Orioles an extra option off the bench, as they have been playing with a short bench since Tillman's activation on Saturday.

Ayala will join another stellar bullpen in the Atlanta Braves and will provide the team will an extra right-handed option.

Chris Jones will likely head to Bowie, the Orioles' Double-A affiliate.