Showalter pregame in Philadelphia on Kim, Gonzalez and more

PHILADELPHIA - There is still no resolution to the situation involving the Orioles and outfielder Hyun Soo Kim.

The Orioles would like to send him to the minors to the start the season. But Kim, through his agency, informed the club last night he won't agree to the assignment.

Kim is with the Orioles here tonight for the spring training finale in Philadelphia.

"He's not starting. We'll see what the game brings," manager Buck Showalter said.

Is Showalter now preparing for Kim to start the year on the O's 25-man roster?

"I like to think that you prepare for everything," he said. "We'll let the people that handle that, handle it. I want to be in a position to adjust either way. Have to have a conversation with four or five guys when this game is over."

Showalter is still not ready to announce his fifth starter. But that pitcher is likely to be available in the bullpen during the first few games.

Speaking of pitchers, right-hander Miguel Gonzalez today cleared waivers and was given his unconditional release. He becomes a free agent and may sign with any team.

Showalter said he still has hopes Gonzalez stays in the Orioles' organization.

"We still hope to figure out a way to have him pitch in Norfolk here shortly. Miguel is in, in some ways, a no-lose situation. He is going to get offers from others clubs, including us.

"(The Orioles have the) same chance as other clubs have. I'd like to think ours are a little better, but we'll see. He has earned the right to make a choice of where he wants to go. I talked to him not long ago after he cleared. Wanted him to hear from (Dave Wallace) and I and Dom (Chiti). I know Wally has been staying in touch with him. He's already been contacted by three or four clubs. We'll see where it goes. He talked to Dom about the clubs he's heard from, so I have an idea where the competition is."

The Orioles have not made any announcements on pitchers Chaz Roe and Zach Phillips, but both players reportedly cleared waivers and have been outrighted to Triple-A.

Showalter made a brief comment about Roe this afternoon during his pregame press briefing.

"There is no doubt that he will be able to impact our club this year. It will be nice to have him down there," he said.

The Orioles' Triple-A rotation for now seems to be shaping up with these four starters: Nick Additon, Todd Redmond, Odrisamer Despaigne and Terry Doyle. Yes, they will need to add a fifth.

Several O's pitchers stayed back today and pitched during a Triple-A intrasquad game in Florida:

Ubaldo Jimenez: four innings, six hits, two earned runs, one walk, two strikeouts, 60 pitches
Brian Matusz: 1 2/3 innings, no hits, no runs, three walks, one strikeouts, 37 pitches
Dylan Bundy: one inning, one hit, no runs, one walk, one strikeout, 19 pitches
Zach Britton: one inning, one hit, no runs, no walks, two strikeouts, 12 pitches
Darren O'Day: one inning, no hits, no runs, one walk, no strikeouts, 13 pitches

Kevin Gausman threw a bullpen session today for the first time since he received a cortisone injection on March 20 for shoulder tendinitis. He threw 25 to 30 fastballs and changeups, and it went quite well, Showalter said. The team is still targeting April 19 for his season debut.