Oliver Drake gets final roster spot, plus more after O's-Tides tie

NORFOLK, Va. - The one remaining roster spot that was an Orioles mystery no longer is. Right-hander Oliver Drake will be the eighth member of the Orioles bullpen on opening day.

Manager Buck Showalter announced that after today's 3-3 tie at Harbor Park with the Triple-A Norfolk Tides, concluding the exhibition season.

Showalter also provided more clarity on right-hander Chris Tillman's upcoming schedule. It is one that could allow him to pitch for the Orioles as soon as May 2.

Showalter told reporters yesterday that Tillman will throw bullpen sessions tomorrow, Monday and Wednesday at Camden Yards. He will then return to Florida to pitch in a game at extended spring training on April 11. Today the skipper added that Tillman will then have outings on the farm somewhere on April 17, 22 and 27. That sets him up to pitch for the Orioles possibly as early as May 2. That could also turn out to be May 7 or May 12 if he needs more rehab starts.

"There are a few places where he could pitch for us or pitch one more time (in the minors after these first four games)," Showalter said. "That is with no setbacks. We've made a schedule before and had to readjust it. I feel better with what I'm seeing and feeling. Even his face and body language now as opposed to the last time we did it. But I'll feel a lot better when he takes that hard side day and recovers for a work day. Then we're on our way."

As for Drake, the former Navy star, who pitched so well late last year, gets a roster spot for Monday's opener. Drake pitched to an ERA of 8.78 in 10 spring games. But he's out of options, threw two scoreless innings in his last spring game and the Orioles don't want to risk losing him right now.

"His last couple outings, his velocity ticked up like most times it does (later in camp)," Showalter said. "If you base a lot on what you see during the season and what you saw in September, he deserves an opportunity. We'll see what develops.

"We know with off-days and the weather, we won't be at eight (relievers for long). ... Kind of let it sort itself. We'd rather make the decision then have somebody else make the decision for us."

So the Orioles roster on opening day is expected to consist of three starting pitchers, eight in the bullpen and 14 position players. They are going to add starters for April 9, which should be Wade Miley coming off the disabled list and on April 15.

Meanwhile, outfielder Craig Gentry, who is expected to make the opening day roster, was not with the team today. He remained in Florida dealing with a family medical situation but should rejoin the club tomorrow in Baltimore. Reliever Darren O'Day, dealing with a severe case of flu, also remained in Florida today.

The Orioles still do not have final resolution on outfielder Aneury Tavárez, who was placed on waivers. Whether he is claimed by another team or not, either way he will come off the 40-man roster, opening a spot for Gentry. Tavárez can play during the waivers process; he entered todays game in left field in the sixth inning and went 0-for-1.

As for today's game with the Tides, the biggest surprise may have been that it even got played. Torrential rain pregame led to big puddles of water in the outfield. Somehow when the rain stopped, they got the field playable and it ended up a 3-3 tie after nine innings in front of 8,729.

The five that pitched for the Orioles - Richard Bleier, Zach Stewart, Joe Gunkel, Richard Rodriguez and Garrett Cleavinger - combined on a five-hitter. J.J. Hardy hit a solo homer and Ryan Flaherty drove in two. Francisco Peña drove in two with a pinch-hit double for Norfolk.

The Orioles came here and did what they intended - they got more work in and showed some respect to their Triple-A team and its fans.

"I don't know if you could draw up more of a perfect game," Showalter said. "The weather cleared and we got it in. Got to get some work in. Really impressed with ground crew and the field here. Field is in great shape. I never would have dreamed they could have gotten it as playable as they did. That is the best shape I've seen that field in."

Showalter was asked after the game for his comment on the Orioles signing Ryan Ripken, the 23-year-old son of Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. They drafted the younger Ripken in Round 20 in 2012, but he didn't sign. The Nationals drafted him in Round 15 two years later, but released him a few days ago. The 6-foot-6 lefty-batting Ripken hit .205 in three minor league seasons with Washington at lower levels.

"That was a guy that we had some interest in coming out of the draft and not just because he is Cal's son. Big, strong kid. Give him an opportunity. We're excited about getting him in," Showalter said.

Now the Orioles get back on a plane and head to Baltimore. They will host the Toronto Blue Jays on opening day on Monday afternoon, with Kevin Gausman facing Marco Estrada to begin the 2017 season.