Buck Showalter on David Lough's DFA: "It tugs at you"

I omitted a health update in my last entry. Pitcher Mike Wright, on the disabled list with a strained left calf muscle, remains tentative running and pushing off, according to manager Buck Showalter. The Orioles will bring him along slowly as he rehabs down in Sarasota.

"I thought that was moving pretty quick," Showalter said, "but I've been told to be a little cautious with him and take that tentativeness away."

The Orioles have promoted catcher Chance Sisco from Single-A Frederick to Double-A Bowie. Sisco, 20, was batting .308/.387/.422 with 12 doubles, three triples, four home runs and 26 RBIs in 75 games.

Showalter said it was a tough decision to designate outfielder David Lough for assignment today to create a roster spot for catcher Steve Clevenger. He's hoping that Lough clears waivers and plays at Triple-A Norfolk.

"David doesn't have a prior outright, so if Dan (Duquette) isn't able to develop a trade that makes sense for the organization, then he goes through waivers and passes through, then he goes to Norfolk," Showalter said. "There's the potential that in four or five days he'll be getting consistent at-bats.

"David, other than not being with us in the big leagues right now, is in a good spot. He's either going to be in the big leagues with somebody else or he's going to be getting the at-bats he needs to get back to where he's capable of being down in Norfolk, with the potential to come back here in September. It's kind of where we are on it.

"We needed a catcher. Matt's (Wieters) doing a lot better and getting closer. We don't think it's going to be a DL period, especially with the number of games we have to sacrifice five or six days of that. Obviously, we need a second catcher, and Steve's having a solid year down there. I really like the things I've been hearing about him catching-wise.

"That's tough, but I think David understands it's going to be good for him and his career in the long run either way."

The Orioles' strategy to replace outfielders Nick Markakis and Nelson Cruz didn't pan out. Lough joins Alejandro De Aza, Delmon Young and Travis Snider as outfielders who have been designated for assignment. De Aza was traded to the Red Sox.

Showalter won't dwell on it.

"I'm getting ready for the game today, trying to beat Oakland," he said. "Figure out a way to stay engaged in the competition and try to win our division. If not, try to get in the playoffs.

"You can go through things every year, a positive year and a year when you didn't accomplish what you wanted, but we're not there yet. It's still there for us and that's the way we're approaching it. We're not going to live in that world.

"It's fine. I understand. You're doing something important, you're going to be critiqued. We all understand that when you get inside the fire. A lot of people want to stand outside the fire."

With Lough gone, Gerardo Parra and Nolan Reimold can back up center fielder Adam Jones.

"It tugs at you," Showalter said of Lough's departure. "It's a tough conversation. You try to paint where it could end up. I think David, other than not being with us, is in a no-lose situation. Something good's going to happen for him and his career in the next four or five days, but we had to have a catcher and that was the option that was chosen."

Showalter said there's a possibility that Wieters could catch before the four-game series ends.

"I'm not going to broadcast it, but he's doing a lot better today and we'll see," Showalter said. "He's had some experience with this and I trust what he and Richie (Bancells) obviously are telling us. I've got in my mind about where it might end up, but from a competitive standpoint I'm not going to announce what I think because there's a good chance I'll be wrong."

Henry Urrutia took batting practice because the Orioles didn't want him idle for two days. He's been swinging a hot bat. Don't take any chances cooling it off.

"Let him come out and get some work and be ready for tomorrow," Showalter said.

Chris Tillman will take a work day on Saturday and start Monday night if his arm feels good. He was fortunate that the ball hit his right triceps instead of his elbow. A few inches lower and he could have suffered a serious injury.

"He got hit in the fatty area," Showalter said. "Well, you never call a guy's muscle 'fatty,' but it wasn't bone. If it had been down a little bit further, we would have had an issue. He's a little black and blue, but that's actually a good sign. Hopefully, by Monday he'll be ready to go. That's an extra day anyway. Everybody's getting an extra day."

Showalter said Norfolk pitcher Tyler Wilson, on the minor league disabled list with a strained oblique, is feeling better. But nothing is imminent regarding the change in his status.

The Orioles have played 52 home games, tied with the Rangers for fewest in the majors. Their 61 road games are tied with the Rangers and Braves for most in the majors.

Norfolk manager Ron Johnson is tied with Gary Allenson for most wins in club history with 284. He's been the Tides' manager since 2012.