Roster intrigue attaches itself to O's on final camp day (updated)

SARASOTA, Fla. - Anyone seeking clarity on the Orioles' opening day roster may have to wait until Sunday's workout at Camden Yards.

Manager Buck Showalter likes to use the "moving parts" analogy and it really applies in the final days of spring training.

The Orioles could put Wade Miley on the disabled list and carry three starters until the veteran left-hander is needed on April 9. This scenario remains in discussion. Trey Mancini's outstanding spring seems to have lined him up for a trip north, but he could only co-exist with outfielder Joey Rickard and Craig Gentry until the club needs a fifth starter on April 15.

Gentry is out of options and would get snatched up by another team if placed on waivers. If the Orioles bring him north, and he's earned a spot, they must be convinced that he's a keeper throughout the summer.

Mancini has mucked up the works here, and in a good way.

Oliver-Drake-black-sidebar.jpgThere's also the case of reliever Oliver Drake, who's out of options and creating an internal debate over whether to hold onto him or risk losing him on waivers. Taking three starters and eight relievers to Camden Yards would enable the Orioles to hold onto Drake for at least a little while longer.

Pedro Álvarez apparently is headed to Triple-A Norfolk to work on his outfield defense. We know that infielder Paul Janish is joining the Tides - he's traveling today with his family - but the club hasn't announced his reassignment. Outfielder Chris Dickerson is expected to be part of Norfolk's outfield and Robert Andino can play second base, shortstop and third base, depending on manager Ron Johnson's lineup.

Rule 5 outfielder Anthony Santander will be placed on the disabled list with a sore elbow. He never made it onto the field.

Another complication is the waiver wire, with more intriguing names appearing on it as other teams set their rosters. Pitchers Vance Worley and Dillion Gee recently became available and might be fits.

Showalter is hesitant to inform certain players that they've made the team if they might get bumped for a free agent signing.

The Orioles are projected to face five left-handed starters in their first 12 games, perhaps also factoring into their decisions.

Whatever the composition of the opening day roster, the Orioles may need to make changes on April 9 if adding Miley and April 15 when inserting their fifth starter.

Kevin Gausman will have a side day on Friday instead of accompanying the team to Norfolk for an exhibition game that's threatened by a forecast calling for a 100 percent chance of rain. Ubaldo Jiménez, Zach Britton, Brad Brach, Darren O'Day, Donnie Hart, Mychal Givens and Vidal Nuño also will stay back and throw.

Meanwhile, Mancini is starting in right field today and Mark Trumbo is the first baseman, but they're going to alternate positions over the course of the game. It's going to make for a messy scorecard.

The Orioles brought over catcher Stuart Levy, infielders Garabez Rosa, Steve Laurino and Drew Dosch and pitchers Luis Gonzalez, Zach Muckenhirn, Lucas Humpal and Matthew Grimes from minor league camp.

Update: Dylan Bundy has surrendered three home runs in four innings and the Orioles are down 5-0.

Omar Infante's solo shot in the first inning was aided by the wind. Tyler Collins had a two-run shot in the third after Steven Moya's RBI double and James McCann homered to lead off the fourth.




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