More pregame notes and quotes (Machado with O's first hit)

The Yankees still haven't informed the Orioles of their choice to start Sunday's series finale at Camden Yards. Masahiro Tanaka was scratched and placed on the disabled list.

In six career relief appearances against the Yankees, left-hander T.J. McFarland is 1-0 with a 0.77 ERA in 11 2/3 innings. He's held their batters to a .132/.195/.132 line in 41 plate appearances.

Manny Machado has reached base safely in 14 straight games since June 22 (.404/.443/.737), the third longest stretch of his career.

In his last 33 games since May 31, Machado is batting .311/.354/.533 and has raised his season average from .210 to .267.

Earlier today, manager Buck Showalter was asked whether Steve Clevenger is here as a left-handed bat or as an extra catcher.

"Yes," Showalter replied. "Both."

"There are situations that will come up between now and Monday after the break, when we'll have to make a move for either a pitcher or a position player and we'll see where we are as a club about which one we send out," Showalter added. "Steve could stay two here and three there (in Oakland) and we'll see where we are when we get there. Or we could move a pitcher before then, but it just makes sense ..."

Clevenger threw out only 3-of-20 runners attempting to steal before the Orioles optioned him to Norfolk. They wanted him to focus more on his work behind the plate before returning.

"He's improved," Showalter said. "Not that he was bad. Maybe that's how a guy should hit when they're completely focusing on something other than hitting, because he's been wearing it out down there offensively.

"I don't think anybody doubts Steve's ability to hit. There's just a matter of applying yourself to some of the things that John (Russell) and Donnie Werner and those guys talk to guys about. He's had more good ...

"You go through that period where you've got to make an adjustment a little bit mentally and emotionally with that, but once you understand how you get back, which he does ... Everybody's been very obvious to him and very frank about it. I think a lot of people make the mistake of not telling players what exactly is going on. This is what's said in meetings and behind closed doors. You need to let them know that and they will tell you something that you didn't know. So, Steve's aware and he's working hard at it and I'm proud of him.

"I'm hoping that he does some great things for us and we're trying to figure out a way to keep him, as we were before, but we're very happy with our catchers. We're happy with the catchers we have here and the depth that we have down below. It's been a challenge for us before this year."

The Orioles optioned Miguel Gonzalez earlier today because "Miggy needs to pitch, too," Showalter said.

"We don't want him sitting around. Because of the (DL) stint, his innings are well under control. It's just like the same reason with Bud (Norris). I don't want him sitting around for 12, 13 days without pitching. I'm not going to say it's like one of those two-inning specials, but it won't be as long as we hope Bud goes.

"We want Bud to go seven (innings) or 100 (pitches), whatever comes first. I hope the other team lets him. Miguel will be shorter than that, though, because he hasn't had the separation."

Showalter will confirm his rotation for the Oakland series on Sunday. Kevin Gausman will pitch against the Athletics.

Gausman's no longer on an innings limit.

"The wrappers are off," Showalter said. "He's ready to pitch until our season ends. We were trying to get ahead of it instead of it showing up in September or possibly October like it was going to if it continued at the rate. I know he's pretty happy about that. So, that's not part of the conversation in the dugout before outings like it has been."

Ubaldo Jimenez told reporters today that his recovery from a right ankle injury shouldn't take a long time.

"If I were to tape it, I probably could pitch today, but I wouldn't know how it was going to be after the game," he said. "That is why they don't want me out there putting too much pressure on it, but it's not going to take a long time.

"I just twisted my ankle. I was walking and I didn't pay attention to where I was going. My foot just slipped right out of my sandal and it twisted."

Jimenez will be placed on the disabled list Sunday and can return on July 23 in Anaheim.

"We have to make a call whether it's enough sides, enough sim games, or does he need to go pitch. When is it ready to be tested?" Showalter said.

"If you get too early on it, it'll blow back up again. I'm hoping we can get some answers because obviously guys are going to scatter here after Sunday night."

For the Yankees
Brett Gardner LF
Derek Jeter SS
Jacoby Ellsbury CF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Brian McCann DH
Ichiro Suzuki RF
Brian Roberts 2B
Kelly Johnson 3B
Francisco Cervelli C

Shane Greene RHP

Update: Greene has retired the first nine batters he's faced, and the Orioles are down 1-0 heading to the fourth inning.

Mark Teixeira's two-out double in the third scored Brett Gardner, but Derek Jeter was cut down at the plate - Nick Markakis to Ryan Flaherty to Nick Hundley.

The Orioles have 21 outfield assists, including a team-leading eight by Markakis.

Update II: Machado bounced a single into left field with two outs in the fifth to break up Greene's no-hit bid, and Ryan Flaherty followed with a single.

Two hits, still no runs.

Machado is 14-for-29 in seven games since his coming off his suspension.