Janish accepts outright assignment (plus other notes)

Infielder Paul Janish accepted his outright assignment to Triple-A Norfolk, according to industry sources. He is expected to join the team this weekend.

Janish had the right to refuse the assignment based on a previous designation. He cleared waivers and was outrighted yesterday to make room for reliever Oliver Drake, giving him three days to make a decision.

The Orioles have signed 15 more of their 2016 draft picks, bringing their overall total to 21.

The newest players to sign are shortstop Alexis Torres (fifth round), left-hander Zach Muckenhirn (11th), left-hander Max Knutson (12th), right-hander Ruben Garcia (14th), right-hander Nick Jobst (15th), left-hander Layne Bruner (18th), center fielder Cole Billingsley (19th), left-hander Zach Matson (24th), third baseman Jaime Estrada (26th), right-hander Matt De La Rosa (28th), second baseman Garrett Copeland (30th), center fielder Jake Ring (31st), right-hander Lucas Brown (34th), second baseman Tanner Kirk (35th) and right-hander James Teague (37th).

Vance Worley, on the disabled list with a strained right groin, threw a bullpen session yesterday and will throw another one during Thursday's off-day.

The Orioles also want Worley to perform some fielding drills and go on a short rehab assignment. They remain confident that he'll be ready to come off the disabled list when eligible on Tuesday.

Reliever Brian Duensing will undergo surgery on Friday to remove two fragments from his left elbow. The Orioles are hoping that he's ready to come off the disabled list by early August.

Manager Buck Showalter said one reason the Orioles chose to recall Ashur Tolliver as Duensing's bullpen replacement is linked to Mike Wright, who "needs to pitch down there" at Norfolk. Wright was a consideration, but the Orioles don't want him shuttling back and forth.

Wright is starting tonight for the Tides.

Showalter mentioned how Tolliver is rested - he worked 1 1/3 innings on Sunday - and ready to pitch. Showalter also said the Orioles considered a couple of pitchers at Double-A Bowie.

The Orioles now have four optionable relievers in their bullpen. It's been a long time since they had that much flexibility. But as Showalter said, "The bad news is how did we get there?"

By putting Duensing, Darren O'Day and Worley on the disabled list.

Caleb Joseph still should be cleared to catch on Monday at one of the minor league affiliates.

Showalter said Odrisamer Despaigne would have been a "stronger candidate to start" tonight if he wasn't needed to record the final out last night in the top of the ninth inning.

Brad Brach is available tonight out of the bullpen after resting the past two nights. Showalter isn't sure about Mychal Givens, who failed to retire any of the five batters he faced last night and took the loss.

For the Padres
Travis Jankowski CF
Wil Myers 1B
Matt Kemp 1B
Yangervis Solarte 3B
Melvin Upton LF
Brett Wallace DH
Christian Bethancourt C
Ryan Schimpf 2B
Alexei Ramirez SS

Erik Johnson RHP