As expected, the Baltimore Orioles have declined the 2013 option on first baseman Mark Reynolds, which would have been $11 million.

Reynolds remains arbirtration eligible and comes off another uneven campaign with the Birds. After struggling badly at third base, Reynolds moved to first, where his defensive play improved. He batted .221 with 23 home runs and 69 RBIs in 2012. Although he's hit at least 20 home runs during the last five seasons, he's also streaky.

The Orioles could bring him back if Reynolds lowers his pay demands. 

The Birds picked up the option on right-handed reliever Luis Ayala, who at 34 went 5-5 with a 2.64 ERA in 66 appearances. The Orioles also selected the contract of Zach Clark, who pitched at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. Clark, 29, has been in the Birds' system since 2006. He pitched on the Double- and Triple-A levels last season, going 15-7 with a 2.79 ERA. Following these moves, the Orioles have 36 players on the 40-man roster.

Posted Oct. 31, 2012