The Orioles continue to check the waiver wire and explore any possible deals before announcing their 25-man roster. They aren't going to commit to a player and suddenly break the news that he's actually headed to the minors because someone better became available.
The Orioles need to remove 10 players by 3 p.m. Sunday, and the moves are obvious at this point. The only holdup is the possibility of an outside addition.
Manny Machado, Edgmer Escalona, Francisco Peguero, Nolan Reimold, Michael Almanzar and Johan Santana will go on the disabled list. Troy Patton will begin serving his 25-game suspension.
That's seven.
Kevin Gausman, T.J. McFarland and Jemile Weeks are expected to be optioned to Triple-A Norfolk.
That's 10.
The Orioles will need to create room on their 40-man roster for Delmon Young and Evan Meek. They could choose to place Escalona and Peguero on the 60-day disabled list. That's one way to do it. We'll see.
Meanwhile, it's been raining off and on at Harbor Park and a 3:05 p.m. start doesn't seem realistic.
It would be a huge disappointment to fans who braved the weather if the game eventually is cancelled or halted, but at least the Orioles are able to sign some autographs and have a presence at the ballpark. Beats a direct flight from Sarasota to Baltimore.
Manager Buck Showalter told reporters that Nick Markakis was scratched from the lineup with neck stiffness most likely related to the flight. You can check Steve Melewski's blog for updates and more notes, since he's on the trip.
Here's the lineup that the Orioles posted:
David Lough LF
J.J. Hardy SS
Chris Davis 1B
Adam Jones CF
Nelson Cruz RF
Matt Wieters C
Delmon Young DH
Ryan Flaherty 3B
Steve Lombardozzi 2B
Suk-min Yoon RHP
Mike Wright also is scheduled to pitch for the Orioles.
If the game is played, the starters won't stay out there long.
Here's the Norfolk lineup that Melewski tweeted:
Julio Borbon CF
Cord Phelps 2B
Henry Urrutia RF
Chris Marrero DH
Brett Wallace 1B
Caleb Joseph C
David Adams 3B
Alexi Casilla SS
Quintin Berry LF
Zach Davies RHP
Showalter has been impressed with Davies, 21, and brings up the right-hander's name multiple times a season. One of those under the radar pitching prospects.
Davies was selected in the 26th round of the 2011 First-Year Player Draft. He's 12-16 with a 3.76 ERA in two professional seasons, and went 7-9 with a 3.69 ERA and 132 strikeouts in 148 2/3 innings last season at Single-A Frederick.
Note: Left-hander Mark Hendrickson signed with the York Revolution of the independent Atlantic League.
Hendrickson lives in York, Pa., so at least he's close to home.
Hendrickson hasn't pitched in the majors since posting a 5.73 ERA in eight games with the Orioles in 2011. He converted to a side-arm delivery last year and went 5-3 with a 3.06 ERA in 40 games with Norfolk.
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