Valaika cleared waivers and accepted an outright assignment to Triple-A Norfolk on Sunday, Nathan Ruiz of The Baltimore Sun reports.

EDGE Analysis

Valaika had served as the Orioles' preferred option at second base in July after Freddy Galvis (quadriceps) landed on the IL, but he was designated for assignment after he hit just .192 with four home runs, 21 RBI and 13 runs in 72 games this year. He was unable to land another spot on a 40-man roster and will remain in the organization.

The Orioles designated Valaika for assignment Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Since Freddy Galvis (quadriceps) was placed on the injured list in late June before being dealt to the Phillies last week, Valaika had settled in as the Orioles' preferred option at second base. However, the 28-year-old couldn't capitalize on the added playing time, slashing a woeful .192/.251/.280 over 212 plate appearances on the season before being booted from the 40-man roster in favor of utility man Jorge Mateo, whom the Orioles claimed off waivers from the Padres. Assuming Valaika goes unclaimed off waivers, he'll report to Triple-A Norfolk in the coming days.

Valaika isn't starting Wednesday against the Yankees, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Valaika has gone 0-for-11 with five strikeouts across his last three appearances, and he'll get a chance to reset Wednesday. Ramon Urias will start at the keystone while Richie Martin takes over at shortstop.

Valaika will start at shortstop and bat seventh Sunday against the Tigers.

EDGE Analysis

While he'll be filling in for everyday shortstop Ramon Urias in the series finale, Valaika looks to have at least temporarily moved ahead of Domingo Leyba on the depth chart at second base. Valaika started the past two games at the position, going 3-for-8 with two RBI between those contests. Look for manager Brandon Hyde to ride the hotter bat of Valaika and Leyba the rest of the season, though neither would be an especially appealing fantasy option with regular playing time.

Valaika isn't in the lineup Wednesday against the Marlins, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Valaika has hit just .161 with three home runs, six RBI, four runs, two walks and nine strikeouts across his last 11 games, and he'll retreat to the bench for a second straight contest. Domingo Leyba will start at the keystone and bat ninth.

Valaika is not starting Tuesday against the Marlins, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Valaika is in the midst of a 5-for-31 funk at the plate, so he'll take Tuesday as an opportunity to try to reset. Domingo Leyba will get the start at the keystone and bat ninth.

Valaika is batting ninth and playing second base Saturday against the Nationals, Nathan Ruiz of The Baltimore Sun reports.

EDGE Analysis

Valaika was initially omitted from Saturday's lineup, but he will play now that lefty Jon Lester is starting for Washington.

Valaika is not starting Saturday's game against the Nationals, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Three hits in his last two games, each of which has been a home run, have boosted Valaika's average to .209 with six RBI in 14 games this month. He gets the day off Saturday while Domingo Leyba starts at second base and bats seventh.

Valaika went 2-for-3 with a pair of solo home runs in Friday's 6-1 win over the Nationals.

EDGE Analysis

Valaika hadn't displayed much power to begin the year and had homered just once prior to Wednesday's loss to the Rays, but he's now homered three times across his last two appearances. The 28-year-old is now slashing .196/.257/.298 with four home runs, 18 RBI and 13 runs in 2021.

Valaika went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Wednesday's 5-4 loss to the Rays.

EDGE Analysis

The 28-year-old's third-inning shot to left field tied the game 2-2 before the Rays ultimately won the contest on a ninth-inning walk-off. Valaika has hit only .175 with four RBI in 13 games this month, and Wednesday's home run was his first extra-base hit since June 23. Although he's essentially an everyday player for the Orioles, Valaika has posted uninspiring numbers offensively this season, as displayed by his .188/.250/.255 slash line.