Working out the 40-man roster

I'm heading to Camden Yards this morning for the workout that precedes opening day. Don't try to stop me. The weather may force the Orioles indoors for batting practice. As long as the clubhouse still has a roof over it, the media will be perfectly fine. I'll check on Nick Markakis, who was scratched from yesterday's lineup due to neck stiffness. I'll check on Nelson Cruz, who took an Alex Cobb curveball off his batting helmet during Thursday's game against the Rays. I'll check on Tommy Hunter to see whether he's heard the word "closer" while chatting with manager Buck Showalter. Fans keep asking me if Showalter has announced a closer. I don't think he's going to offer that kind of confirmation. But I'd expect Hunter to start warming if the Orioles have a slim lead in the ninth inning on opening day. Showalter told reporters in Norfolk that the Orioles would make room for Delmon Young and Evan Meek on the 40-man roster by designating two players for assignment. The 60-day disabled list won't be used, which surprised me. That's a simple solution. Here's the current 40-man roster, which includes Troy Patton, who's on the restricted list: Pitchers Mike Belfiore Tim Berry Brad Brach Zach Britton Dylan Bundy Wei-Yin Chen Edgmer Escalona Kevin Gausman Miguel Gonzalez Tommy Hunter Ubaldo Jimenez Steve Johnson Brian Matusz T.J. McFarland Bud Norris Darren O'Day Troy Patton Josh Stinson Chris Tillman Ryan Webb Suk-min Yoon Catchers Steve Clevenger Michael Ohlman Matt Wieters Infielders David Adams Michael Almanzar Chris Davis Ryan Flaherty J.J. Hardy Steve Lombardozzi Manny Machado Jonathan Schoop Jemile Weeks Outfielders Nelson Cruz Adam Jones David Lough Nick Markakis Steve Pearce Francisco Peguero Nolan Reimold Henry Urrutia Could Belfiore be in jeopardy? What about Adams or Escalona, who is injured and headed to the disabled list? Stay tuned.