More roster changes coming for Orioles

Orioles right-hander Andrew Cashner comes off the disabled list today after missing only one start with soreness in his lower back. Two off-days lessened the impact of his absence.

It's going to necessitate another roster move, but more on that later.

Cashner has one win since April 5, though decisions stray from a pitcher's control. He's trying to lower a 4.98 ERA and 1.687 WHIP accumulated over 13 starts. He's averaging 10.9 hits and 4.2 walks per nine innings.

Tonight marks Cashner's ninth career start and 14th appearance against the Nationals. He's 3-4 with a 4.04 ERA and 1.449 WHIP in 49 innings and 1-3 with a 5.08 ERA and 1.694 WHIP in eight games (five starts) in D.C.

Bryce Harper is 5-for-11 lifetime against Cashner, Daniel Murphy is 6-for-12 with a double and home run and Anthony Rendon is 5-for-12 with a home run.

Matt Adams is 1-for-12 with a home run and five strikeouts. He's also on the disabled list.

A bench player will be subtracted today, still giving the Orioles five without a designated hitter in the National League. It's a riches of reserves.

Corban Joseph has a minor league option remaining if he's the choice. I'm not making a prediction, just stating one of the possibilities.

The Orioles are carrying three utility players, but they're taking into account two series with National League rules. Steve Wilkerson could be here one day and gone the next, but not if manager Buck Showalter wants the extra versatility.

Outfielder Joey Rickard has a minor league option. Craig Gentry does not.

Pedro Álvarez already has been designated for assignment. He was bound to go - not hitting, doesn't have a position - and it made sense to do it yesterday with no DH in the series.

Someone else will be removed if the Orioles activate outfielder Colby Rasmus on Thursday after his rehab assignment expires. Of course, they aren't obligated to bring him back on that date.

Tim Beckham is expected to return on Saturday. Another roster move.

Chris Tillman is slated to throw three innings tonight with short-season Single-A Aberdeen. There's no need to start plotting roster space because his return isn't imminent.

Darren O'Day hasn't pitched since Friday because of a sore hamstring. He caught his spike, apparently, and remained unavailable last night. A post-game bullpen session was supposed to let the Orioles know whether he might need a return trip to the disabled list.

Left-hander Gio Gonzalez, who takes the mound tonight for the Nationals, has allowed nine runs and 15 hits in his last two starts over 9 1/3 innings. He's walked six batters.

Gonzalez faced the Orioles on May 28 and shut them out on six hits over 7 2/3 innings. He's 2-6 with a 3.90 ERA and 1.507 WHIP in 11 career starts against them over 67 innings.

Danny Valencia is 5-for-12 with a double against Gonzalez. Manny Machado is 5-for-16 with a double. Caleb Joseph is 4-for-7.

Chris Davis is 2-for-17 with a double and five strikeouts and Mark Trumbo is 4-for-20 with a home run and eight strikeouts.

Davis won't face Gonzalez tonight, according to Showalter, but not because of the left-left matchup. Showalter said the opposing pitcher isn't a factor. It comes down to when Davis and the crew working with him say he's ready.

Whatever happens upon his return, no one can accuse Davis of not putting in the necessary hours, including his workout Monday at Camden Yards during the off-day. Anyone curious to see the new model?

Davis is 10-for-30 with a double, home run and nine strikeouts lifetime against Max Scherzer, who closes out the series Thursday night.