Notes on Markakis, Pearce, Cruz, the playoff rotation and more

Orioles manager Buck Showalter said he expects Nick Markakis and Steve Pearce to play in the four-game series in New York that starts Monday. Pearce won't be ready before Tuesday, though he wants to play. He needs an extra day after receiving a cortisone injection yesterday in his right elbow. Markakis tried to get into the lineup today, but his right shoulder remained sore while he swung in the cage. "He's getting better every day," Showalter said. Showalter said "it's hard to argue" with the choice of Nelson Cruz as Most Valuable Oriole. He must not have checked my Twitter timeline. "He's been a rock for us," Showalter said. Showalter will reveal his Division Series rotation while we're in New York. He said there's the potential for a few tweaks, depending on the opponent, but it appears that the starters will line up as Chris Tillman, Wei-Yin Chen, Miguel Gonzalez and Bud Norris. We'll find out in a few days. Showalter will keep a few extra players for the Division Series, in case he needs an injury replacement. He's basically going to have a backup for each position and on the pitching staff. Showalter also wants anyone who's been with the Orioles all season, but didn't make the roster, to stay with the club. The Orioles still don't have their last three starters listed for the Yankees series beyond Chen on Monday. Ubaldo Jimenez is expected to pitch in the series.