Showalter on Kim and wrapping up a 4-4 10-inning tie

SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles manager Buck Showalter said he spoke to outfielder Hyun Soo Kim about accepting an assignment to Triple-A Norfolk, and they met again today with executive vice president Dan Duquette.

The first meeting took place before Kim sat out three straight games, including tonight's 4-4 tie with the Braves.

Kim must give his consent before playing in the minors, per a stipulation in his two-year contract.

The Orioles are still learning about Kim despite the scouting reports and video.

"Who knows, he might decide to go to Norfolk and really get going and come up here and really be a contributor," Showalter said. "I don't know. I don't think anybody's that smart. I just knew there were some other guys here outperforming him and we're trying to take our best 25, which he could still potentially be a part of at some point."

The feeling here is that Kim will accept the assignment because he wants to remain in the U.S. and not give up his dream of playing in the majors.

"I don't know yet. It's kind of in his hands," Showalter said. "I don't know if he has agreed to it or not. You all know more than I do. Anyway, if that happens, it could give him an opportunity to get more acclimated and kind of get it going at that level and I know he's considering going there. I'm not sure where that is. The last time I was there when Dan and I were talking to him that was something he was considering, I'm not sure if he'd done that yet, if he'd made that decision. Did he?"

Not that we know. Kim left the clubhouse tonight before the media was allowed inside of it.

Asked whether Kim was receptive to the idea of going down to the minors, Showalter replied, "Second time."

"I discussed it with him first and then Dan was in the conversation today," he added. "You guys probably figured out when the first conversation took place - playing time - so I think he's contemplating his next career move."

Miguel Gonzalez held the Braves to one run in five innings and didn't walk a batter, but he allowed seven hits and hit a batter.

Showalter was reserved in his praise of Gonzalez, who is fighting for a spot in the rotation.

"He had good results. He had good results tonight," Showalter said. "Good to see him get that. I know it's been a challenge for him as far as results go."

Gonzalez was pleased with his command. Showalter said it was "a little better."

"Not as good as I've seen him, but he had better feel for all his secondary pitches. That's what allowed him to get some results, and some really good defense behind him," Showalter said.

Matt Wieters caught his first game since March 12 and hit his first home run.

"His face and body language, he felt good. It will be interesting to see how he feels tomorrow," Showalter said.

Garabez Rosa, who made the trip again from minor league camp, tied the game with a single with two outs in the ninth. He's 9-for-17 with seven RBIs this spring, and he's not even in camp.

"He's a guy that's learned how to hit," Showalter said. "He stays inside the ball and hits the ball the other way. He plays a lot of positions."

The Orioles will make more cuts on Wednesday.

Showalter didn't have an update on Hunter Harvey's groin injury, saying only that he read the medical report where "he had tweaked something and should be fine shortly. Not a big deal, I don't think.

"I don't know where it is."