Kevin Gausman could be a postseason weapon for O's in rotation or 'pen

So where does Kevin Gausman fit in on a potential Orioles playoff roster? There seems to be a feeling that Chris Tillman, Wei-Yin Chen, Bud Norris and Miguel Gonzalez would be the top four starters, in some order, should the O's advance to a playoff series. That may prove true. But Gausman made a strong case for his inclusion in that rotation yesterday. He pitched well for the start before that also. He needs to string a few more good outings together this month to continue to state his case. Manager Buck Showalter, of course, would not tip his hand or even hint at speculation at a playoff rotation right now. But my sense is Showalter is a big believer in Gausman's considerable talents and would not be hesitant for a second to put him out there in a big game. Of course, if Gausman pitches out of the bullpen in the postseason he could be a factor there too. With Andrew Miller, Darren O'Day and Zach Britton there to lockdown the last three innings, Gausman could sure be a weapon in the middle innings. In fact he could pitch in long relief, middle relief, the late innings or in extra innings in October. There are a lot of ways for the O's to go with the young right-hander. For me, he has to be on any playoff roster and it is just a matter of what role the Orioles would choose to use him in. A few more Orioles notes: * Gausman became the fifth straight O's pitcher to record a quality start when he gave up two runs over seven innings on Saturday. In those games the starting pitchers have combined for 34 innings allowing 22 hits and five runs with 11 walks and 31 strikeouts. That is an ERA of 1.32. * The Orioles finally have lost an American League East road series. They had won seven and tied one before this series at St. Petersburg. Before yesterday, the O's last lost a division road series against the Rays last Sept. 20-23. * Chris Davis homered for second time in four games. He has hit five homers over his last 13 games. * The O's six-game winning streak following a game where they were shutout ended. They are now 8-2 on the season in such games.