As expected, the Orioles declined their 2013 option on first baseman Mark Reynolds and exercised their option on right-handed pitcher Luis Ayala.

Reynolds, who would have made $11 million next year if the clause was exercised, remains eligible for arbitration and it’s the Orioles’ intention to negotiate with him.

He batted .221 with 23 home runs and 69 RBIs in his second year with the Orioles and played excellent defense at first base late in the year.

“I expected it,” Reynolds told CSNBaltimore.com.  “I’m still arb-eligible.”

“I definitely want to be back and keep the atmosphere at Camden like it was at the end of the season. I had the time of my life the last two years.”

Reynolds got a call from Ned Rice, the Orioles assistant director of major league operations, who told him of the move, and of the Orioles’ intent to keep negotiating with him.

Ayala’s option for next year is $1 million. He was 5-5 with a 2.64 ERA in 66 games.

The Orioles purchased the contract of right-handed pitcher Zach Clark, adding him to the 40-man roster. The 29-year-old Delaware native was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2006 and methodically moved his way up in the system.

He was 15-7 with a 2.79 ERA in 28 games for Bowie and Norfolk.