BALTIMORE — After Chance Sisco’s ninth-inning bunt for a base hit against a shift irked the Minnesota Twins on their way out of Baltimore on Sunday, Orioles players came to the defense of their rookie catcher’s attempt to ignite a rally down by seven runs.

With Twins starter Jose Berrios working on a one-hit shutout, Sisco bunted down to third base for a single against a shift that left most of the infield’s left side unoccupied.

The Twins cried foul – citing a violation of the game’s unwritten rules – and while those rules do frown upon bunting for a hit during a no-hitter, the Orioles were miffed by the Twins’ rationale.

“The problem is the unwritten rules are written differently by 30 different teams and applied differently by 30 different teams,” catcher Caleb Joseph said. “When they’re not jointly seen eye-to-eye, you’re going to have issues. One of my unwritten rules would be, don’t shift a guy in the ninth inning.”

This is where these unwritten rules and late-game strategy collide. Joseph said if the Twins thought the game was decided, then why did they employ a shift late in the game? He said if they played Sisco straight up and Sisco attempted a bunt, the Twins would have a more legitimate gripe, but by making a strategic decision to take a hit away, Sisco had the right to drop a bunt where defenders weren’t.

Outfielder Michael Saunders agreed to a minor league contract with Baltimore, which assigned him to Triple-A Norfolk.

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Saunders has played nine major leagues seasons. Last year, he split time between Toronto and Philadelphia.

DIAMONDBACKS: Outfielder Yasmany Tomas cleared waivers and was assigned to Triple-A Reno by Arizona, which is responsible for the $42.5 million he is owed in the remaining three seasons of a $68.5 million, six-year contract.

Tomas, signed in December 2014 after he defected from Cuba, slumped to a .241 average with eight homers and 32 RBI in 47 games last year, when he did not play after June 2. Sidelined by right groin tendinitis, he had core surgery on Aug. 22.

He hit .273 with nine homers and 48 RBI in 2015, then .272 with 31 homers and 83 RBI the following year.

The 27-year-old had the choice to reject the outright assignment but doing so would have voided the remaining years of his contract.

TRADE: Former Portland Sea Dogs left-hander Luis Ysla was traded from the Dodgers to the Orioles in exchange for another minor leaguer – right-hander Jesus Liranzo.

BRAVES: Atlanta promoted right-hander Anibal Sanchez from Triple-A Gwinnett and added newly acquired catcher Carlos Perez to the 25-man roster.

NATIONALS: Washington placed catcher Matt Wieters on the 10-day disabled list because of a mild left oblique strain.

Miguel Montero opened the season as Wieters’ backup and is expected to see most of the starts until Wieters returns. Pedro Severino was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse.


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