O's game blog: Showalter on Wieters, Hardy, Reimold and more

TORONTO - Orioles manager Buck Showalter would not say whether catcher Matt Wieters is available to play today or not. Wieters injured his left wrist Friday night and was not available yesterday, as reporters found out after the game.

He is not starting today as the Orioles and Blue Jays wrap up this three-game series.

"He's better today," Showalter said. "We won't talk about his availability, but we'll see as the day progresses. It's better than it was yesterday. He felt better holding the bat today."

Shortstop J.J. Hardy continues to pass every test. He went on the disabled list Aug. 24 with a left groin strain and can return to the team Tuesday.

"He's going to be ready to go Tuesday," Showalter said. "We knew he'd probably be ready before the DL period is over and he's ready. He'll be in the lineup Tuesday."

Showalter said there is still no timetable for Miguel Gonzalez to resume throwing. He went on the DL on Friday, retroactive to Monday, with right shoulder tendinitis. Outfielder Nolan Reimold officially rejoined the Orioles today when his contract was selected from Triple-A. He's in today's starting lineup.

"Still think he is only going to get better. He's still young games-played wise. I wouldn't close the book on Nolan. We're not ready to do that yet. He's had quite a journey," Showalter added.

"For him to come back and basically be healthy all year has been big for his pysche, I think, especially going into next year. He's always been a selective guy (at the plate) something that every club is in need of. He might take an 0-for-3, but he's on base a couple of times."

It's been an interesting few weeks for Reimold. He was designated for assignment Aug. 24 and then cleared waivers Aug. 27. He accepted an outright assignment to Norfolk and went 4-for-22 (.182) in eight games there, and now he's back with the Orioles.

"It's a little nerve-racking anytime you go through that (DFA) experience," Reimold said this morning in the Orioles clubhouse. "Been through it before, so you kind of get used to it. Made it back here. So I'm right back where I started before the process and happy to be back here.

"I didn't want to leave the organization. It was a choice that I made and I think it was a good choice. Not really too much change, just went down there and got a few at-bats."

Reimold has hit .227 with two homers and eight RBIs in 39 O's games this year. Now he may get a few more chances this month to once again show the organization what he can do.

"I've had opportunities to play. You have to capitalize on the chances that you get and that's what I'm looking to do. Capitalize on the chance to play and help the team," Reimold said.

The Orioles beat Toronto 10-2 on Friday night and lost Saturday afternoon 5-1 score. The winner of today's game will take the series. The Blue Jays are 8-1-2 in their last 11 series. Their only series loss since July 27 was Aug. 14-16 when they dropped two of three at Rogers Centre to the Yankees.

At 77-58, Toronto leads the Yankees by a 1 1/2 games atop the American League East. The Orioles are 65-70 and 12 games back in fourth place. The O's trail by 6 1/2 games for the second wild card.

Chris Tillman (9-10, 4.87 ERA) makes his 26th start of the year today. He has really struggled in four 2015 starts versus the Blue Jays, going 0-3 with an ERA of 15.00. In two Rogers Centre starts this season he has pitched 5 2/3 innings allowing 11 hits and 13 runs. Tillman is 4-9 with a 5.68 ERA in 18 career starts against Toronto and 2-5 with a 7.38 ERA in 10 career starts at Toronto.

Right-hander Marco Estrada (11-8, 3.16 ERA) makes his 23rd start today for Toronto. In 14 home games he is 5-4 with a 2.93 ERA. In four games and two starts this season versus the Orioles, Estrada is 1-1 with a 3.21 ERA.

In day games in 2015:

* Tillman is 2-3 with a 7.08 ERA in eight starts.

* Estrada is 4-2 with a 2.26 ERA in 11 games, eight starts.

The Orioles have lost 13 of 16 games, scoring three runs or less in each of the losses and scoring seven runs or more in the three wins.