Wondering about the roster

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles are making their first trip to Bradenton today to play the Pirates. They return to McKechnie Field in four nights.

Have they changed the bulbs in the lights? Twenty-five watts aren't enough.

Miguel Gonzalez is making his fourth start. Two have been acceptable, two have been awful. He'd like to break the tie by dominating the Pirates and solidifying his place in the rotation.

Chris Tillman no longer is bothered by a sore hip. Ubaldo Jimenez is the king of minor league camp, allowing one run over 10 2/3 innings in two starts, with two walks and 15 strikeouts. Yovani Gallardo is healthy and just waiting for the results to kick in.

Kevin Gausman is in danger of beginning the season on the disabled list after receiving a cortisone injection in his right shoulder. I'm in danger of passing out from trying to understand whether Gausman could be activated on April 10 when the Orioles need a fifth starter.

The math says he'd be eligible if the DL assignment is backdated to March 25. However, there's the possibility that Gausman has to stay down for 10 days after the seasons begins, forcing the Orioles to hold onto another starter after breaking camp.

We're still sorting it out.

Gausman could simplify matters, of course, by avoiding the DL. Otherwise, I'm assuming that Tyler Wilson is the leading contender to replace him unless the Orioles want to delay a tough decision on Vance Worley, who's out of options.

Jimmy Paredes is certain to go on the DL. It's just a question of whether it's the 60-day version. He'd come off the 40-man, but there isn't an obvious non-roster candidate to replace him.

Paredes is out of options, but the wrist injury allows the Orioles to hold onto him. Pedro Alvarez is the primary designated hitter and they both hit from the left side. There's no position for Paredes. He isn't a fit, but the Orioles haven't forgotten his hot spring and first half in 2015.

Brian Matusz could join Paredes on the DL after being limited to only two appearances. He had a cortisone injection in his lower back Sunday and may be running out of time.

Matusz's removal from the bullpen would create two openings. Zach Britton, Darren O'Day, Brad Brach, Mychal Givens and Dylan Bundy are set. T.J. McFarland has allowed runs in three of his four appearances, but he's a left-hander who could back up the five right-handed starters.

A second left-hander would seem to be a priority, especially with Britton restricted to working the ninth inning.

Chaz Roe is out of options and more easily could break camp with the team if Matusz is on the shelf.

Oliver Drake shouldn't be ignored - and I'm guilty of it. He tossed another scoreless inning yesterday, striking out Darin Mastroianni and Joe Mauer, and hasn't surrendered a run in seven innings over seven appearances this spring.

Drake has allowed four hits, walked three and struck out eight. Has anyone noticed?