Christian Walker expected to join Orioles in Minnesota (final update)

Triple-A Norfolk first baseman Christian Walker was a healthy scratch from tonight's lineup at Gwinnett, and he could be joining the Orioles in Minnesota for Wednesday's series finale.

As I wrote this morning, the Orioles could option tonight's starter, Kevin Gausman, whose next scheduled turn falls during the All-Star break. Walker could stay for one day and be optioned back to Norfolk on Thursday when outfielder Nolan Reimold comes off the paternity list.

Reimold flew to Jacksonville for the birth of his daughter, Charlotte Rose, who was born yesterday.

The Orioles could shift gears and bring up a reliever if their bullpen is taxed tonight. Otherwise, Walker is the choice.

Gausman would be eligible to rejoin the Orioles on July 18 in Detroit. He'd make one start for the Tides, perhaps on Sunday while Zach Davies pitches in the Futures Game.

Walker, 24, is batting .266/.321/.380 with 20 doubles, five home runs and 28 RBIs in 78 games. He's hit safely in 12 of his last 14 games, batting .328 (20-for-61) with three home runs seven RBIs and five multi-hit games.

Baseball America ranked Walker as the No. 3 prospect in the Orioles' system.

The Virginian-Pilot first noted that Walker was a healthy scratch, which I got confirmed. Sean Halton replaced Walker at first base and delivered an RBI single to give the Tides a 1-0 lead.

Update: I'm hearing that the Orioles will make multiple moves on Wednesday, adding Walker and a left-handed pitcher. One of them will leave after Reimold returns.

T.J. McFarland is eligible to return. I'm connecting the dots here.

Update II: McFarland is still with the Tides in Gwinnett, so he's not joining the Orioles in Minnesota.