Duensing, the bullpen, roster call-ups and Kim (O's lead 7-3)

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Reliever Brian Duensing wasn't listed on the original lineup card this morning, but bench coach John Russell wrote in his name upon his arrival to give the Orioles four left-handers in their bullpen.

Duensing has allowed four earned runs in 6 2/3 innings with the Orioles in his seven appearances. He went on the disabled list retroactive to June 20 with inflammation in his left elbow and underwent surgery to remove cartilage chips.

The Orioles transferred Duensing to the 60-day disabled list on July 3. He allowed one earned run and struck out nine batters over nine innings in five injury rehabilitation games between Double-A Bowie (three games) and the Gulf Coast League team.

"He's been pitching well for a while now," Showalter said. "His last three outings have been real good. Just another reminder of the guys we've been missing for quite a while. Good to get him back."

Duensing has been working multiple innings in the minors and could handle the same type of work load with the Orioles, similar to what T.J. McFarland used to offer.

"There's that potential," Showalter said. "That's why we wanted to go that way. I'm hoping there's not a need for it, but it's good to know he's capable of it."

The bullpen may not continue to hold four left-handers through the remainder of the regular season.

"I don't know if we'll continue that way or not," Showalter said. "If we don't feel like somebody's going to pitch ... We'll probably put them in Sarasota if we feel like there's somebody here who's not going to pitch. We'd rather keep them active over there. We'll see."

Jayson Aquino would be a candidate to move over to Sarasota. Zach Britton and Donnie Hart aren't going anywhere.

Showalter doesn't anticipate more call-ups from the minors unless there's a need. The camp in Sarasota starts on Friday.

"There might be a subtraction," he said.

Director of player development Brian Graham will stay with the team through the Detroit portion of the road trip before heading to instructional league.

Chris Tillman and Darren O'Day remain scheduled to throw again on Wednesday.

Hyun Soo Kim is batting ninth today for the 11th time this season. He batted second in 49 games, but that spot's been occupied lately by Pedro Alvarez against right-handed pitchers.

Showalter views Kim as a second leadoff hitter at the bottom of the order.

"Adam (Jones) we only know is going to lead off once. He's capable of driving in a lot of runs," Showalter said.

"Also, where their bullpen is concerned. They have two left-handers. Most of their guys are neutral-to-reverse split guys. It's kind of a big picture thing.

"He's done a nice job at second. His on-base percentage has been good. Pete's been swinging the bat so well, just trying to ride him a little bit."

Update: Logan Morrison hit a three-run homer off Ubaldo Jimenez with two outs in the first inning and the count full to give Tampa Bay a 3-0 lead.

Jimenez threw 25 pitches.

Update II: Chris Davis went to the opposite field for his 34th home run leading off the top of the fourth inning. Mark Trumbo doubled and later scored on Matt Andriese's wild pitch to reduce the lead to 3-2.

Update III: The Orioles scored five runs with two outs in the fifth inning to lead 7-3. Clutch hits with runners in scoring position. It's still legal.

Hyun Soo Kim started the rally with a leadoff double and Adam Jones singled. Pedro Alvarez and Manny Machado struck out, but Davis produced a two-run single to give the Orioles a 4-3 lead. Mark Trumbo followed with an RBI single, Matt Wieters singled, a wild pitch moved up the runners and Jonathan Schoop delivered a two-run single.

Davis alertly took second on the throw home, positioning himself to score on the Trumbo single.