Lee leaving team tomorrow, another local kid drafted

First baseman Derrek Lee will leave the team tomorrow to attend his grandfather's funeral. Lee expects to be gone through Sunday, which means he'll miss three games. The Orioles will place Lee on the bereavement list that covers three days, including tomorrow's open date on the schedule. Technically, Lee could return Sunday, but he's informed the team that he'll be gone through the weekend. Right now, the Orioles are leaning toward bringing up a position player, with Triple-A Norfolk first baseman Brandon Snyder a logical candidate. The player must be on the 40-man roster or have his contract purchased. The Orioles' roster currently stands at 39. The Orioles will consider a reliever if the bullpen becomes taxed. However, Chris Jakubauskas is expected to be available Saturday after throwing 80 pitches last night. Alfredo Simon also is available in long relief. Second baseman Brian Roberts texted head athletic trainer Richie Bancells that he'll probably stop by the ballpark later today. Roberts will head to the minor league complex in Sarasota within the next few days. The Orioles haven't been able to trade Jake Fox, so he's got to be exposed to waivers. The assumption has been that he'll get claimed, but an Orioles official told me that the team thinks Fox will clear and be outrighted to Norfolk. Manager Buck Showalter will cut short batting practice today because of the heat. Players are allowed to wear shorts, "which went over real well, so we have that going for us," Showalter said. The Orioles chose another John Carroll School player in the draft, taking outfielder Brendan Butler in the 50th round. Here's the complete list from today: 31st round: John Costa, RHP, Summit Christian (Fla.) School 32nd round: Ryan Meyer, RHP Oviedo (Fla.) HS 33rd round: Sander Beck, RHP, Maryland 34th round: Zachary Fowler, LHP Texas 35th round: Lindsey Coughel, RHP, Stetson 36th round: Jeffery Zona, RHP, Hanover (Va.) HS 37th round: Nicholas Skala, C, Concordia 38th round: Jermone Pena, 2B, TCU 39th round: Pat Cantwell, C, SUNY Stony Brook 40th round: Bennett Parry, LHP, (no school) 41st round: Christopher Moriscal, SS, Clovis North HS 42nd round: Jason McCracken, RHP, (no school) 43rd round: David Reynolds, RHP, Edmonds CC 44th round: Patrick Merkling, LHP, Chattanooga St. Tech CC 45th round: Andrew Millner, RHP, Feather River (Calif.) College 46th round: Mark Reyes, LHP, Jessieville (Ark.) HS 47th round: Devon Conley, CF, New Mexico JC 48th round: Tyler Hunter, CF, Lowndes (Ga.) HS 49th round: Ronnie Shaban, RHP, Virginia Tech 50th round: Brendan Butler, OF, John Carroll