Hammel named opening day starter, Gausman reassigned (updated)

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

March 27, 2013, 12:56pm

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SARASOTA, Fla. - Jason Hammel was officially named the Orioles' opening day starter today by manager Buck Showalter. He will take the ball April 2 against the Tampa Bay Rays. Wei-Yi Chen will pitch the second game against the Rays and Miguel Gonzalez will be the third starter in the series at Tropicana Field. Chris Tillman will pitch the home opener April 5 if he is not placed on the disabled list. Otherwise, he will pitch the fifth day because the assignment would be backdated. Showalter hasn't made a decision on rotation candidates Jake Arrieta, Brian Matusz and Jair Jurrjens. In other camp news, Tommy Hunter was told that he has made the team as a reliever. Kevin Gausman and Travis Ishikawa were reassigned to minor league camp. Gausman will start the season at Double-A Bowie, joining Dylan Bundy. Ishikawa most likely will play at Triple-A Norfolk. One more cut will be made later today. Steve Johnson is not expected to pitch again this spring because of a strained lat and is a candidate for the disabled list. Showalter hasn't decided on a starter for Thursday night against the Rays at Ed Smith Stadium. Most of the innings will be covered by minor league pitchers.