Orioles manager Buck Showalter called into "The Mid-Atlantic Sports Report" earlier today on MASN, and I wanted to pass along a few items before taping "Wall to Wall Baseball," which airs tomorrow from 11 a.m.- noon. We can't go live with that show because of FanFest.
Showalter counted 11 candidates for the starting rotation, and he didn't dismiss the idea that executive vice president Dan Duquette could add another one. Showalter said he's still deciding "which way to go" with Alfredo Simon, meaning starter or reliever.
Showalter also said that Nolan Reimold will get the opportunity in spring training to become the everyday left fielder.
"It's time for him to step up," Showalter said, adding that Reimold is out of minor league options.
Jake Arrieta threw two bullpen sessions at Camden Yards this week and is "right where he needs to be," Showalter said, after having a bone spur removed from his right elbow.
Showalter also expressed confidence that Nick Markakis will be a "go player" in April after undergoing surgery this month to repair a torn abdominal muscle.
Tommy Hunter has lost between 15-20 pounds after working out with Brady Anderson in California.
Showalter confirmed that he'll go into spring training with Chris Davis at first base and Mark Reynolds at third, though that arrangement could change later.
"The last thing you want to do is confuse players and move them all over the place," he said.
Showalter still sounds like he'd prefer to keep Robert Andino in a super utility role, which could include some innings in the outfield.
Asked about Ryan Adams as a candidate to start at second base, Showalter said, "He's a guy we need to not forget about."
Note: The Orioles have signed veteran left-hander Dennys Reyes to a minor league deal with a spring training invite, according to a team official.
Reyes, 34, has pitched for 11 major league teams in 15 seasons. That's the true definition of a journeyman. He's 35-35 with a 4.21 ERA.
Reyes appeared in four games with the Red Sox last season.
MLBTradeRumor's Ben Nicholson-Smith first reported that the Orioles reached an agreement with Reyes.
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