Duquette on Sedlock, plus Showalter comments (O's lead 4-0)

The Orioles' top draft pick from 2016, right-handed pitcher Cody Sedlock, went on the disabled list for the Single-A Frederick Keys on Saturday with a right elbow flexor strain.

The No. 27 overall selection last year, Sedlock is 4-4 with 6.46 ERA. He got off to a great start for the Keys, pitching to an ERA of 1.64 over his first four starts, but has allowed five runs or more in six of his past nine starts.

Earlier today, O's executive vice president Dan Duquette was my guest on 105.7 The Fan's "Orioles Baseball Tonight" program, and I asked him for his concern level on Sedlock.

"I don't think there are any long-term issues, but we'll keep a close eye on it. His velocity is down and that's consistent with the diagnosis from the doctor," Duquette said.

Duquette said "yes" when asked if he expects Sedlock to return to pitch this year.

The right-hander was throwing in the mid-90s early in the season, but one report said his velocity dipped into the high-80s in his last outing, topping at 91 mph.

"Let's see how it goes. He's on the disabled list there in Frederick," Duquette said.

During his pregame press conference today, Orioles manager Buck Showalter talked about today's roster move with Jimmy Yacabonis called up from Triple-A Norfolk and Alec Asher optioned back to the Tides. Asher gave up five runs in 1 2/3 innings yesterday and is now 2-5 with a 5.53 ERA.

"You know, Donnie Hart pitched well last night and he's pitching better since he got back (from the minors)," Showalter said. "If you notice, we have not sent anyone out that is pitching well. That's how it works. It's easy to say (his struggles) are kind of from going back from starting to relieving and starting to relieve. But he's done a good job at both periodically, but lately it's been a challenge for him."

Showalter said right-hander Chris Tillman will not travel with the Orioles to Milwaukee later tonight. He and his wife await the arrival of a baby, but Tillman is still listed as Wednesday's starter for the Orioles.

The Orioles limited left-hander Jayson Aquino to 2 2/3 innings and 53 pitches in a start last night. He is an option to pitch Wednesday if the O's have to scratch Tillman. He has given up one run exactly in three of his past four starts.

First baseman Chris Davis, out with a right oblique strain, is obviously not close to returning at this point and there is no timetable yet for his return.

"With Chris, if things go well today we've kind of mapped out a program for him," Showalter said. "Get that calendar set up. They're going to re-image Chris during the All-Star break regardless of what stage he's in."

Showalter said in checking the weather for Monday it is possible that Zach Britton's last scheduled minor league rehab game could take place at Frederick and not with Triple-A Norfollk. Britton is expected to rejoin the Orioles on Wednesday in Milwaukee.

Shortstop J.J. Hardy is not expected to take part in any baseball activities at least through the end of the first homestand coming out of the All-Star break, which ends on July 23. It was revealed yesterday that an exam of Hardy's ribcage showed a fractured bone, going along with his fractured wrist.

"Looking forward to putting together a program for Hardy. Not quite there yet," Showalter said. "Hoping that we're moving toward ... I wonder how many players might have what J.J. has and just might play through it. There are some different impactful things going on in the game today that might not have been in my day."

O's get early lead: The Orioles scored four times in the last of the third to lead 4-0 this afternoon. After a throwing error by Rays starter Alex Cobb scored the first run, Manny Machado blasted a 403-foot three-run homer to left to make it 4-0. Machado had gone 10 games without a homer and was 1-for-20 before he connected off Cobb for his 16th home run. That ties Jonathan Schoop for the team lead.

Kevin Gausman has blanked the Rays on one single through four innings. Gausman has fanned five with one walk, throwing 64 pitches.