Davis to undergo MRI, Lee optioned and other notes (O's up 1-0)

CLEARWATER, Fla. - Orioles manager Buck Showalter said first baseman Chris Davis will undergo an MRI this afternoon on his right elbow/forearm area due to soreness that's increased in severity over the past few days.

Davis has been restricted to the designated hitter role to avoid throwing. He's 2-for-13 with one home run, three RBIs, three walks and seven strikeouts.

"That elbow is not managing quite like he had hoped," Showalter said. "It was sore again, so it's not moving forward like we'd like it. He's got some soreness. It's a little more tender than it's been in the past. Has some concern about it and we want to make sure what we're dealing with."

The Orioles will check the flexor mass and hope there's no structural damage. Davis indicated earlier this week that it's more muscular, but the situation could have changed.

Davis missed a month last season with an oblique injury.

The Orioles optioned left-hander Chris Lee to Triple-A Norfolk. Lee strained his right oblique on Tuesday while facing one Rays batter in Port Charlotte. He threw only two pitches and walked off the mound, and an MRI confirmed the injury.

"He's not going to be able to pitch until the end of the month at the earliest anyway," Showalter said. "We're going to get him down there."

Lee could stay back at extended spring training.

Chris Tillman threw 42 pitches this morning in his two-inning simulated game and Showalter was impressed. He threw all of his pitches while facing Austin Hays, Craig Gentry and Mark Trumbo.

"I think he's able to post up a little bit better on his legs," Showalter said. "I think his legs are under him a little more firm. His arm doesn't seem to be as much of a physical effort to get there. The time was kind of getting to him, too, last year. He was rushing a little bit. I think he's in a good place as far as the pace at which he's preparing, and that always gives a guy some confidence."

Tillman will throw three innings in his next outing, most likely another simulated game.

Showalter indicated that Danny Valencia, signed to a minor league deal, will be given a legitimate shot at making the team. There could be a place for him on the 25-man roster due to his versatility.

"We're looking at a lot of avenues," Showalter said. "You've got some players who have gotten to the point where they've kind of been presented as a good risk for us. It's a non-roster look for three weeks, four weeks. We've got some history with him. He certainly brings some things that you look for. We have a prior history with him and we'll put him in the mix and see if he fits.

"A lot of it is coverage for an injury, like Pedro (Álvarez) here. It's hard to pass on those what-ifs. On the surface, it may not fit mathematically right now, but things could change. It also opens up some options for you to do some things, whether it be trades or whatever, and have coverage because these guys are going to end up signing with people and they are going to be in camp with people and we don't want to have to trade for somebody to get them. Then you have to give up players or draft picks or signing bonus money or whatever it is.

"We'll take every one of them in here and sort it out. If Tim Beckham breaks his leg today, what are you going to do? We're talking to a few other guys."

Valencia can play first and third base and also the outfield corners.

"Good arm," Showalter said. "Obviously, people think highly of his prowess versus left-handed pitching and he's an athletic guy. A lot of pop. There's a role he can fit."

Valencia and Álvarez weren't acquired due to any concerns about Davis, but they provide examples of why a team needs "what-ifs."

"There's two or three other guys that we're kicking around," Showalter said. "You're one or two days away from all of a sudden ..."

A couple of cuts could be made after today's game and a few more following Monday's off-day.

Brad Brach's debut on Sunday against the Red Sox will come in the late innings. The Orioles won't shield him from their division opponent, which likely will bring a roster loaded with minor leaguers.

"I don't think there's a lot of secrets about what Brad Brach does," Showalter said.

Update: Cedric Mullins walked with one out in the second inning and scored on Chance Sisco's double to left field to give the Orioles a 1-0 lead.

Kevin Gausman retired the first six batters with three strikeouts.