Early notes on Wright, roster, Johnson, Garcia and Davis

Not much news coming out of today's pregame media session with Orioles manager Buck Showalter.

If you've been following along, you know that left-hander Wesley Wright's injury rehab assignment at Triple-A Norfolk ends later today. He could re-join the Orioles or extend the assignment for a second time.

Wright followed up his most impressive outing with a dud last night, allowing four runs and five hits, walking two and hitting a Charlotte batter in 1 2/3 innings. He's 0-2 with a 7.71 ERA in 11 2/3 innings, with 10 earned runs, 15 hits and seven walks.

"I don't know where all that stands," Showalter said. "I know a little bit more than I'm talking about right now, but nothing to the point where the decision is."

Wright signed a one-year, $1.7 million deal on Dec. 9, but he appeared in only two games and worked 1 2/3 innings in April before going on the disabled list with a strained left trapezius muscle.

The Orioles don't have an obvious roster spot for Wright.

"I'm hoping the rest of the year there's not an obvious spot ever," Showalter said. "There's always a way. We're going to have to do something at some point with the fifth starter, too."

Showalter was asked whether he's hoping for more roster flexibility in the second half.

"Not necessarily," he replied. "I don't see how that just magically appears. I think we have all the flexibility we need. I hope we don't make any moves at all in a perfect world, but we can always do something. We've always got roster space on the 40. We've got plenty of space there.

"Our guys know at Norfolk and Bowie, we can go get anybody we need."

Kevin Gausman is starting tonight for the Tides. He's also expected to pitch on Friday before the Orioles recall him - perhaps for the July 22 game at Yankee Stadium.

Steve Johnson, who was on Norfolk's disabled list with a sore oblique muscle, has pitched in back-to-back games. He struck out four last night in 1 1/3 innings, but also allowed a run on three hits.

"He's throwing the ball well," Showalter said. "We all know what Stevie's capable of doing if he's healthy."

Rule 5 pick Jason Garcia has made two scoreless and hitless appearances at Double-A Bowie on his rehab assignment, walking two and striking out one.

"Pretty good," Showalter said. "Last one wasn't as good as the first command-wise, but arm strength looks good. I haven't heard anything negative. I'm watching it. It's good to see that it looks like he's healthy. That's a good sign. We'll see what the next two or three outings bring."

Chris Davis returned to the lineup after being scratched last night with the stomach flu.

"He was getting there toward the end of the game yesterday," Showalter said. "If the right situation had presented itself, we probably could have used him late in the game. It was iffy. I'm not sure what we would have gotten.

"Four or five of the players' wives had the same thing. We've all had it, been there. I was there the night before, but nobody cares. I don't have to play."

For the Nationals
Michael A. Taylor CF
Danny Espinosa 2B
Yunel Escobar 3B
Bryce Harper RF
Wilson Ramos C
Clint Robinson LF
Dan Uggla DH
Tyler Moore 1B
Ian Desmond SS

Max Scherzer RHP