Gallardo's a popular figure among the other starters

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles are expected to make a bunch of roster cuts today. They didn't send out anyone yesterday, which came as a bit of a surprise, but they should be active this morning and perhaps following the game.

I'd expect Hunter Harvey to be reassigned to minor league camp. Not as a punishment after allowing five runs yesterday in one-third of an inning, but because he needs to do some side work and continue preparing for the season. He hasn't pitched since 2014.

We'll need another update on catcher Matt Wieters. The Orioles want to know how his right elbow is feeling two days after experiencing soreness and tightness.

Yovani Gallardo makes his second start for the Orioles this afternoon as they host the Phillies. It's also the second time he's faced this opponent, allowing three runs over two innings in Clearwater.

I've gradually made the rounds in the clubhouse and asked the other starters for their early impressions of Gallardo.

Miguel Gonzalez: "Quiet, really quiet. He's a good guy. We heard a lot of good stories about him, so we all know that he's going to be a good fit for us. We're excited. He does what he has to do on the field, off the field, and so far he's doing a good job."

"J.J. Hardy told me the first couple years he was a little shy, really quiet, wouldn't talk much. But then the last year or two that he was with him, he kind of felt more comfortable around the guys and started talking to them and actually helping out others, giving them advice and stuff like that. We're excited to have him around, for sure."

Ubaldo Jimenez: "I've known him since I played against him in Triple-A and he's a really nice guy. I saw him a couple times when I was with the Rockies and he was in Milwaukee, and he's a great guy. He's a typical Latin guy. He's going to be talking to everyone, very friendly. So far so good."

Chris Tillman: "Awesome. Yeah, outstanding. Funny, quiet. Easy to get along with. But I had a feeling that's how it was going to be, talking to other guys who have played with him.

"I shouldn't say he's 'quiet.' He's just soft-spoken."

Kevin Gausman: "It seems like he fits in pretty good. I think he likes to have fun, likes to keep it pretty loose. He's not very uptight. I haven't gotten to know him really well, but it seems like he fits in good. He seems like a great guy.

"We've talked a lot about just his routine. I like talking to guys who have been around long enough. Obviously, he's had a great career. He throws a lot of innings every year. It's a guy whose brain you want to pick and talk to. So far, he seems like he fits in pretty well."

The group appreciates the benefits of having a veteran starter on the staff with a track record.

"I think it's huge," Gausman said. "Just in case one of us struggles and he's going the next day, we feel pretty confident that that long guy might not get optioned because now we have him. That's definitely something that adds a different aspect to it, but I think also just his leadership, even just being on the bench.

"Even these games now, you see him, he's engaged and he wants to come in and talk to guys and just see them pitch and see how they work. He's been great for me so far."