Showalter on Ramirez's start, Grenier signing official (game update)

PHILADELPHIA - The Orioles have made official the signing of their second draft pick, Oregon State shortstop Cadyn Grenier. He will report to Single-A Delmarva.

Grenier was taken with the No. 37 overall pick in Competitive Balance Round A. The slot value for that pick is $1,923,500 and Grenier was signed for $1.8 million.

Grenier was considered the top defensive shortstop in the college ranks and won the Brooks Wallace Award, which goes to the top shortstop. His Oregon State team won the College World Series. In 68 games, Grenier hit .319/.408/.462 with 17 doubles, two triples, six homers, 70 runs, nine steals and 47 RBIs.

As for tonight's game, it is now scheduled for an approximate 8:30 p.m. start time after a being delayed due to rain.

The Orioles' scheduled starter for the afternoon game here tomorrow on the Fourth of July will be right-hander Yefry Ramirez. He'll be backed up by David Hess, who moves to the bullpen for now. Ramirez is 0-1 with a 2.89 ERA in two big league games, one as a starter.

He made his major league debut June 13 as a starter versus Boston and gave up three runs over 4 1/3 innings. On June 28, he threw five scoreless innings in relief versus Seattle on 52 pitches. He was optioned back to Triple-A Norfolk the next day. He can come back sooner than 10 days this time, as he replaced an injured player. Steve Wilkerson went on the disabled list today with a Grade 2 left oblique strain.

So far, manager Buck Showalter has seen a lot to like about the 24-year-old Ramirez, who is 3-5 with a 3.88 ERA and 1.17 WHIP for Norfolk.

"You know, changeup (has been solid)," he said. "Hitters are so much more in swing mode up here, because they're good hitters. That is why they're in the big leagues. He's having a good year down there. And we've had a real good look at David (Hess). Think he's had nine starts and I'm sure he'll start again at some point. This falls on Yefry's time (to pitch) - in fact, he's getting an extra day. Want to leave Jimmy (Yacabonis) alone down there and he's pitching tonight. So this kind of fit.

"Feel bad for Steve. The guy has overcome a lot to get here. Then that flares up. He's on his way to Sarasota to start the rehab there. Usually, those Grade 2 aren't (returnable to the roster) within the DL period."

For now, Showalter feels he has enough bench infield coverage with Jace Peterson and Danny Valencia.

"For the time being. Pete can play all over. Got some other guys that can move around the infield," Showalter said. "We are working making some additions that might be able to help us."

The Orioles may be adding outfielder Joey Rickard for tomorrow's game. The Virginian-Pilot reported he was on his way to join the team. But he won't be here in time for tonight's game. The Orioles are going to play with 24 players after Colby Rasmus left the team today and was put on the restricted list.

Showalter said right-hander Hunter Harvey today made 25 throws from 60 feet. He had the ball in his hand for the first time since going on Double-A Bowie's disabled list on June 9 with a non-throwing shoulder issue.

Showalter said Chris Tillman is going to start on Thursday for Norfolk at Gwinnett. Tillman has allowed 10 runs over nine innings in three minor league rehab starts. Also, O's pitcher Pedro Araujo, on the DL with a right elbow strain, threw a 25-pitch side session today. Minor league pitcher Cody Sedlock of Single-A Frederick will throw on the side tomorrow.

The Orioles are still trying to line up two pitchers for Monday's doubleheader at home versus the Yankees. Showalter concedes that there are several candidates for that, including Ramirez, Hess, Yacabonis, Miguel Castro and Mike Wright Jr.

"Probably leaving out a couple of guys. No, they're all in play right now. Can't really go there until we get by the next six games," he said.

Trumbo's blast: Mark Trumbo lined a ball 442 feet to left-center to give the Orioles a 1-0 lead in the top of the second. He drilled a first-pitch fastball off Phillies right-hander Zach Eflin for his 11th homer. It was Trumbo's third homer in two games and eighth in his past 15.

The game started 1 hour, 25 minutes late due to a rain that cooled it down in Philly. First-pitch temperature was 75 degrees.

That was fast: The O's lead didn't last very long. The Phillies moved ahead 2-1 in the last of the third on Rhys Hoskins' two-out, two-run double.

But the O's tied it 2-2 in the fourth when Manny Machado led off with a double, advanced to third on Trumbo's single and scored on an error by right fielder Nick Williams.

Phils in front: The Phillies took a 3-2 lead in the fourth. Williams walked with one out and scored on catcher Andrew Knapp's triple down the first base line.