Dale Thayer: Opts out of contract

Thayer opted out of his minor league contract with the Orioles on Saturday, MLB Trade Rumors reports.

Thayer, a non-roster invitee, put together a rather pedestrian spring for the Orioles, giving up three runs over six innings. That performance put him on the chopping block at final roster cut downs, and rather than waiting to be released at the end of camp, Thayer opted to pursue free agency early. He may have to settle for work at the Triple-A level before reemerging in a bullpen role for an MLB team.