Hellickson latest to come out of rotation (plus other notes)

PITTSBURGH - The rotation for the final series of the year at Tropicana Field probably won't include Jeremy Hellickson.

The veteran right-hander, who's posted a 6.97 ERA in 10 starts with the Orioles, is bothered by tightness in his back and could be shut down.

hellickson-white-far.jpg"He's been fighting through it," said manager Buck Showalter. "He's kind of fought through a lot of different things that all pitchers do between starts, but he was talking to Richie (Bancells) about it today that usually it's a little better a day or two after, but today it's pretty stiff.

"We were contemplating whether to start him again anyway, but it's kind of, if not him, who?"

Showalter still intends to shut down Dylan Bundy, further reducing his starter candidates over the weekend. Bundy was scratched from Sunday's assignment with a strained left hamstring.

"Bundy still has that issue there," Showalter said. "Kind of a stretch to think he'll start again."

There isn't much more for Bundy to gain by making another start.

"Sometime, I might show you our charts and the way we mapped it out," Showalter said. "It went just about the way we had hoped and he's in a real good position to go forward. I'm not sure what purpose it would serve other than to give us a better chance to win a game."

Miguel Castro is expected to remain in the bullpen. Left-hander Tanner Scott is a consideration, though he mainly was limited to three innings in his starts with Double-A Bowie and the Orioles would need the necessary bullpen backups. Mike Wright is a possibility, and Showalter has left the door open for Chris Tillman.

"We'll see how we get through the rest of the season," Showalter said.

Showalter said Tim Beckham's hamstring has improved and the shortstop could return to the lineup over the weekend.

"It's one of those things that's probably not doable during the season," Showalter said. "I'm hoping that he'll be available to play at some point before the season is over. He's going to test it a little bit today. You've got to be careful with it, but I'm thinking hopefully by Tampa for sure. We'll see what tomorrow brings."

Adam Jones continues to be slowed by soreness in his legs.

"Something he's kind of played with for a while and he doesn't have to now, so we're going to take some precautions with it," Showalter said. "We talked about it today, among other things, and we'll take it day to day."

The Orioles could add a pitcher before Wednesday night's game at PNC Park. There are a handful of candidates at the minicamp in Sarasota.

"I spoke to Dan (Duquette) about the possibility," Showalter said. "I think we're probably going to readdress it after tonight's game and see where we are.

"It depends how we come out of the game physically in the pitching department. We have the off-day (Thursday) that should get you in a little bit better shape going into Friday, but there might be a need tomorrow, especially if you look at the guys we're subtracting."

Castro could play winter ball for the first time. He's been approached with the idea.

For the Pirates
Adam Frazier 2B
Starling Marte LF
Andrew McCutchen CF
Josh Bell 1B
David Freese 3B
Gregory Polanco RF
Elias Diaz C
Max Moroff SS
Trevor Williams RHP




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