The Orioles have optioned first baseman Joe Mahoney to clear a 25-man roster spot for Saturday starter Zach Britton, according to The Baltimore Sun's Eduardo A. Encina.

Update: The Orioles have confirmed the transaction via a press release.

With pitcher Steve Johnson remaining on the roster for a potential long-relief, the Orioles have just three bench hitters for Saturday's game against the Tigers: C Taylor Teagarden, IF Omar Quinatanilla and OF Lew Ford.

Britton's last major-league start came on Aug. 7 when he allowed seven runs (four earned) in five innings against the Mariners. He returns to a 1-1 record, 8.10 ERA and 2.01 WHIP.

Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com suggested IF/OF Ryan Flaherty could be recalled by the Orioles before long. Flaherty is currently on the disabled list with a bacterial infection.

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