Bell expected to be optioned

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

August 05, 2011, 12:39pm

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The Orioles are expected to option third baseman Josh Bell to Triple-A Norfolk later today if infielder Cesar Izturis gets through pregame workouts without any issues. Izturis took the field with infield coach Willie Randolph while manager Buck Showalter met with the media. The Orioles will have to make room on the 40-man roster for Izturis, who will come off the 60-day disabled list. Team orthopedist Dr. John Wilckens will examine shortstop J.J. Hardy's left ankle later today, but the club couldn't schedule an MRI until tomorrow morning. Hardy says there's no swelling in the ankle and the discomfort comes and goes. He's not sure what caused it. Showalter will try to avoid using Hardy tonight. Chris Tillman will be officially recalled tomorrow and start against the Blue Jays. He's in the clubhouse. Jake Arrieta will go on the disabled list to make room for Tillman on the 25-man roster. Showalter is hopeful that Tillman will get an extended look in the Orioles' rotation. "It's there for him if he seizes the opportunity," Showalter said. Brian Roberts continues to perform baseball-related activities in Sarasota, but he still hasn't been cleared to "go forward," Showalter said.