As expected, new Orioles Executive Vice President and General Manager Mike Elias’ first move was to add longtime aide Sig Mejdal to head the team’s analytics department.

Mejdal, who worked with Elias in Houston will have the title, assistant general manager, analytics.

He replaces Sarah Gelles, who left the Orioles to join the Astros.

According to the Orioles, “Mejdal will oversee all aspects of the club’s growing analytics effort while assisting and advising Elias in all manner of Baseball Operations decisions.”

Mejdal, a former NASA engineer, worked for the Astros from 2012-18, and established the team’s analytics department. He was with St. Louis for the previous seven seasons.

“Sig Mejdal is one of the most experienced and accomplished analysts working in baseball today,” said Elias. “To have him join our Orioles organization is a major moment for this franchise, and I look forward to him charting the course for all of our forthcoming efforts in the analytics space.”

Peterson re-signs with Orioles 

Utililtyman Jace Peterson has signed a minor league contract with the Orioles. Peterson, who played six positions in the infield and outfield and even pitched once, batted .193 with three home runs and 27 RBIs in 93 games. He stole 13 bases in 15 tries.

News of Peterson’s signing was first reported by MASNSports.com and confirmed by an industry source.