Showalter pregame on Ondrusek, Brach, the offense and more

TORONTO - In adding right-handed reliever Logan Ondrusek today, the Orioles got a pitcher who has had good major league numbers against left-handed batters, a clear factor in this addition.

While Ondrusek pitched the last two years in Japan, in 270 2/3 major league innings with Cincinnati between 2010-2014, he held lefty batters to a .236 average and right-handed hitters to an average of .257.

"Logan was with Cincinnati and he's been working out and is ready to go," Showalter said. "Pitched real well over there and has a lot of experience here in the states, too. He was one of the better relief pitchers over there. So we were able to add him through a lot of diligent work by a lot of people.

"He is, we hope, just another quality guy down there that has a fresh arm and is ready to go. He's shown a background being able to defend himself against left-handed hitters, which has been a challenge for us. Evidenced by yesterday in Minnesota. Hoping he can help us in that department."

Ondrusek went 8-3 with a 2.17 ERA in 102 games with the Yakult Swallows of the Japan Central League over the last two seasons. He hasn't pitched in a game in Japan in a month, but Showalter said he's been throwing recently and he's ready. The O's have been looking to add him for two to three weeks, he said.

There is a chance the Orioles will look to trade Chaz Roe, who was designated for assignment. He is 1-0 with a 3.72 ERA and 11 strikeouts in nine games for the Orioles this season.

"Chaz has 10 days (during the DFA period)," Showalter said. "Dan (Duquette) can either trade him or run him through waivers or he'll go back to Norfolk. So one of those three things will happen (in) the next 10 days."

Showalter said there is no issue with reliever Brad Brach, who was not used last night. Brach has not pitched since Sunday and did not get used last night in a close game in the seventh inning in Minnesota. Are the Orioles looking to back off Brach?

"Not now," Showalter said. "We wanted to give him two to three days off and it worked off to get that fourth day yesterday. So he's fine and ready to go. It has nothing to do with who we are playing. We sit back and look at each guy, really, everyday. And we felt like Brad could use a couple of days and we gave it to him. I think we'll get a benefit from that."

Showalter was asked about the Orioles slumping offense, which has scored just 38 runs in 14 games since the All-Star break. They are creating some chances, but also hitting just .159 since the break with runners in scoring position.

"You can be a hit away, but sometimes the guys are pitching real well," he said. "This team goes deeper into games (with its starters) than any team in the American League. We're facing a guy today (Marco Estrada) that is having one of best statistical years in the league, you look at batting average against and some other things. They've manuevered around to make sure these three guys pitch against us and I would, too. I would, too."

The skipper said the Orioles are still a club with some players under the weather.

"We've still got a lot of guys sick, fighting their way through it," he said. "About half our team has still got that stuff. Hopefully, they get a decent night's sleep tonight."