DJ Stewart invited to major league camp (and other notes)

Manager Buck Showalter, appearing tonight on the "Orioles Hot Stove Show" on 105.7 The Fan, said Double-A Bowie outfielder DJ Stewart will be in major league camp next month. Stewart will be included on the list of invites.

It's a nice reward for Stewart, a first-round pick in 2015 out of Florida State University, after he batted .278/.378/481 with 26 doubles, two triples, 21 home runs and 79 RBIs in 126 games. He also stole 20 bases in 24 attempts.

A left-handed hitting corner outfielder with on-base skills. A nice fit.

Showalter said he met earlier today with executive vice president Dan Duquette to continue discussions about the roster. They're sifting through the list of available starting pitchers and have checked the medicals on several, as Showalter confirmed tonight. Still no matches.

Also, still no confirmation on whether Manny Machado will play third base or shortstop. Showalter won't show his hand, but he indicated again tonight that he expects Machado to be on the opening day roster. None of the offers in trade talks have come close to being acceptable.

Tim Beckham is working out with vice president of baseball operations Brady Anderson in California. Showalter said Beckham could be the shortstop, third baseman or utility player with opportunities to get regular at-bats at multiple positions.

The Orioles maintain interest in free agent pitcher Chris Tillman and Showalter spoke to the right-hander during minicamp in Sarasota. He said third base coach Bobby Dickerson recently talked to free agent shortstop J.J. Hardy, who is working out in Arizona and waiting for the right offer.

Hardy could retire if he doesn't find it.

Closer Zach Britton continues to encourage the Orioles with his recovery from right Achilles surgery.

* Individual game tickets for the 2018 season at Camden Yards will go on sale Jan. 25 at 2 p.m. They can be purchased at www.orioles.com/tickets, 1-888-848-BIRD and at Camden Yards and the official team store at the York Galleria in York, Pa.

Opening day tickets won't be included in the sale of individual game tickets. The only way for fans to guarantee a ticket to the opener is through the purchase of a full or 29-game season plan membership.

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The schedule for 2018 promotions and special events will be announced prior to next Wednesday's pre-sale.