Orioles reassign three players to minor league camp

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles made three cuts tonight, reassigning outfielder Dariel Alvarez, infielder/outfielder Chris Parmelee, and pitcher Chaz Roe to minor league camp.

The major league camp roster has been reduced to 37 players, including five non-roster invitees.

Alvarez figures to get most of his starts in right field at Norfolk, with Julio Borbon playing center. He was one of the most impressive players in camp, especially with an outfield arm that's unrivaled in the organization, and has emerged as arguably the top position prospect in the farm system.

Alvarez went 2-for-4 today against the Blue Jays to raise his average to .343 with two home runs.

Parmelee exhibited plus defensive skills at first base, which immediately grabbed manager Buck Showalter's attention. Christian Walker is expected to get the bulk of the starts at first with the Tides, but Parmelee also can play the outfield. The problem, of course, is the outfield will be crowded.

Saving his offensive best for last, Parmelee went 3-for-4 today with his first home run, raising his average to .241.

Roe recorded his first save today and could give Norfolk manager Ron Johnson another bullpen arm. He was valuable to Showalter this spring by serving as an extra reliever in case a starter left early or the game moved beyond regulation.

The Orioles still have five catchers in camp, including Matt Wieters, who will be placed on the disabled list. Caleb Joseph is tabbed as the starter.

Showalter wants to check on shortstop J.J. Hardy before he possibly sends out infielders Jayson Nix and Paul Janish. Hardy is being treated for a sore left shoulder and has an MRA scheduled for Monday.

Janish got a late start after undergoing surgery in February to remove bone chips from his right elbow, but his defense appeals to Showalter. He could emerge as the regular shortstop at Triple-A Norfolk.

During today's game in Dunedin, Janish made two sensational plays at shortstop that Showalter watched on video before meeting with reporters in Sarasota. Janish went 0-for-4 to lower his average to .154.

Nix, who batted .216, already has played for eight major league teams during a seven-year career. He could work in a super-utility role if he remains in the organization or share third base with Michael Almanzar.