Arrieta to DL? (with note)

Orioles manager Buck Showalter told reporters in Kansas City this evening that pitcher Jake Arrieta will see renowned orthopedist Dr. Lewis Yocum on Aug. 10 because of recurring discomfort in his right elbow. Arrieta was skipped in the rotation earlier this season because of inflammation related to a bone spur. Apparently, he's now dealing with a fibrous mass that could force him to the disabled list.

This partially explains why president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail referred to the rotation as being in "flux" earlier today. Jeremy Guthrie is starting tomorrow and left-hander Zach Britton will take the ball on Thursday. Tommy Hunter could start on Friday. Arrieta could be facing surgery that would end his season. If Arrieta goes on the disabled list, Chris Tillman could be recalled because he'd be replacing an injured player and wouldn't have to stay in the minors for the required 10 days. As I wrote earlier today, the Orioles currently view new left-hander Jo-Jo Reyes as a reliever, but he's another rotation possibility down the road. Maybe it's a good idea to start stretching out Jim Johnson for the rotation. Maybe it's a good idea to start looking for four-leaf clovers. NOTE: LJ Hoes hit his fifth home run tonight for Double-A Bowie in the first game of a doubleheader. He had none before July 26. Hoes is playing third base tonight. Cesar Izturis is 0-for-2 while starting at second base. His injury rehab assignment has resumed, and he won't rejoin the Orioles before the homestand that begins Friday. I was told recently that Izturis didn't get enough at-bats with Bowie before he met up with the Orioles in New York. He worked out with the club, but he's back with the Baysox.