Report: Dontrelle Willis Walks Out on Orioles’ Minor League Team

Dontrelle Willis has gone AWOL.

The Orioles pitcher left Baltimore's Triple-A Norfolk team without permission, Orioles Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations Dan Duquette said Monday, according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com.

"He just left," Duquette said.

Willis and the team disagreed about how Willis should be used — the Orioles want him as a reliever, but Willis wants to start. Willis left the team Sunday after a discussion about his role, Duquette said.

Willis' agent, Matt Sosnick, said Willis has asked for his release, but Duquette says the O's don't want to release Willis, because he can still help them in the bullpen. He said Willis is welcome to come back as a reliever.

Willis, who has played for seven teams in his major league career, has been placed on the restricted list.