Rotation candidates still awaiting their fates

SARASOTA, Fla. - The camp roster remains at 38 players as the Orioles take the field for batting practice this morning, a total that reflects the removal of former starter Miguel Gonzalez. The club hasn't confirmed it, but Gonzalez is on release waivers.

Two pitchers seemingly impacted by Gonzalez's release, right-handers Mike Wright and Tyler Wilson, haven't been told whether they've made the team or how they'd slot into the rotation. Wilson is listed as one of the relievers today behind starter Yovani Gallardo.

Manager Buck Showalter hinted last night that he might alert the No. 4 starter.

"Not exactly," Wright said. "He hasn't come out and said exactly what's going on, but I'm hopeful."

No signs, no indications. The wait continues.

"I'm going to throw Saturday here in a minor league game, so I'm hopeful about that," Wright said.

"He hasn't told me straight up, no. There's still some stuff up in the air, you know? Still lots of good guys, good candidates."

One of the more popular guys is gone, Gonzalez's release still a sore subject this morning. One player said, "I've never seen the clubhouse like that," after Gonzalez was given the news. A few guys didn't want to talk about it on the record, saying nothing good could come of it.

Wright said he was surprised by the move.

"He's a great guy, great teammate," Wright said. "It sucks, but it's where the team wanted to go, so you've got to respect that part of it, too."

Other available pitchers today besides Gallardo and Wilson include Brad Brach, Chaz Roe, Oliver Drake and Pedro Beato.

For the Braves
Ender Inciarte CF
Erick Aybar SS
Freddie Freeman DH
Adonis Garcia 3B
Hector Olivera LF
Jeff Francoeur RF
Tyler Flowers C
Gordon Beckham 2B
Tyler Moore 1B

Bud Norris RHP