Game update and more from Showalter

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Miguel Gonzalez failed to complete four innings today, but he definitely increased his pitch count.

Gonzalez threw 80 pitches, 57 for strikes, and left with the Orioles ahead 4-2 with two outs in the bottom of the fourth.

T.J. McFarland stranded Kurt Suzuki, who doubled with two outs. Gonzalez was charged with two runs and six hits in 3 2/3 innings, with no walks and four strikeouts.

Gonzalez was hoping to today become the first Orioles starter to exceed four innings in a Grapefruit League game.

Gonzalez hasn't issued a walk in 12 2/3 innings this spring. He has struck out 11 batters.

Delmon Young belted his first spring home run in the fifth inning, a two-out shot to left field to give the Orioles a 5-2 lead. He hit it a mile.

Left-hander Wei-Yin Chen is starting Wednesday against the Blue Jays in Sarasota. Chris Tillman and Kevin Gausman will pitch Thursday against the Tigers in Lakeland and Bud Norris will start Friday against the Rays in Sarasota.

Earlier today, the Orioles optioned outfielder Henry Urrutia to Triple-A Norfolk.

"He was better," Showalter said. "Henry played 50 games last year. That's all he played. One of the reasons why he made such a quick rise was how he handled every level. Most times guys hit .270 at Triple-A and... but Henry's capable of better.

"I think a lot of it had to do with Henry's had so many nagging things - the hernia, there were like two or three other ones. I think he's primed to really remind everybody how good a hitter he is. We got to see a lot of it this spring when he's healthy. I want him to get four or five at-bats every day down there to start the season."

Urrutia's defense "is improving," Showalter said.

"He's working hard at it. I challenge him to have the same work ethic and habits that he had here down there. If he does, he's going to be able to present himself well."

Steve Johnson was reassigned to minor league camp. The Orioles are leaning toward using him out of Norfolk's bullpen, but on designated days to piggyback the starter and give him extended innings.

The Orioles don't want him on the usual reliever's schedule where he may pitch every couple of days.

"We think the best way is to keep the ball in his hand, have a work day, but not have where the club needs five or six innings out of the starter," Showalter said. "Steve's not going to be able to do that originally, so we'd designated day for him to pitch. It just won't be a long outing. Probably be in relief."

Left-hander Tim Berry was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk, but as I wrote earlier today, he's not necessarily going to start the season with the Tides. Rosters will be finalized later.

Right-hander Mike Wright will be stretched out as a starter at Norfolk "so he can come to us as a starter or reliever," Showalter said.