The Orioles claiming another infielder, Jonathan Araúz, off waivers is a reminder that part of this process should soon be over

After making their 14th infield waiver claim in the last four years, is the time finally arriving where they won't be necessary anymore?

Jonathan Araúz, join the club. And may you please, maybe, be the last member?

If there’s been one aspect of the Orioles’ roster construction over the last four years that’s stayed static, its been their proclivity for infielders cut loose by other teams. Such has been the dearth of talent in the high minors where their own infielders are concerned that the waiver wire was the only way to bring in those players outside of, well, paying for them.

So, sift through the discard bin they did, and did often. The first acquisition under Mike Elias – claiming Rio Ruiz on waivers – fit that mold, and so did countless other waiver claims on the infield: Hanser Alberto, Jack Reinheimer, Hanser Alberto again, José Rondón, Pat Valaika, Richard Ureña, Pat Valaika again, Ramón Urías, Andrew Velazquez, Yolmer Sánchez, Chris Shaw, Domingo Leyba, Jorge Mateo, Lucius Fox, and now Araúz. That’s 14 different players, as long as I didn’t miss any, even if Rule 5 picks like Richie Martin are technically considered waiver claims and 15 would be a more round number.

That’s too many no matter the circumstance, but the circumstance they were in to warrant that is pretty close to finished.