No game leaves Orioles with more time to figure out roster

The Orioles won't play a game today, but they've got a lot of roster maneuvering to consider before the Phillies come to town.

Joey Rickard was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk before Sunday's game to give the Orioles another right-handed bat against Rays southpaw Blake Snell, who's murder on left-handed hitters. And to finally let Anthony Santander, shed of his Rule 5 status, continue his development in the minors.

Losing the switch-hitting Santander for Rickard causes the Orioles to tilt more to the right side. They already have Adam Jones, Trey Mancini, Craig Gentry and Mark Trumbo for the outfield and Danny Valencia as a corner infielder and outfielder.

Jace Peterson is capable of playing the outfield, but he's on a left-handed island by himself.

"We've got an off-day," said manager Buck Showalter, "and we'll see if there are any adjustments to be made."

Can the Orioles bring themselves to return Rickard to Norfolk after he produced his first career multi-homer game yesterday and drove in a career-high five runs? He's been hitting since the Orioles broke camp without him.

"What I talked to Joey about in the spring and being real frank, he could have wallowed around in self-pity or he could have done his part, which got him back here," Showalter said.

Traveling secretary Kevin Buck played a major role, as well, after the Orioles summoned Rickard and reliever Donnie Hart from the Tides.

"Kevin Buck might be the MVP today," Showalter said. "He had a flight for him and Donnie this morning. Kevin woke up at 6 (a.m.) just to check and make sure it was still on time and everything. It was an 8 o'clock flight and it wasn't leaving for four hours. Kevin found another flight, so today the star goes to Kevin ... and Joey."

Going back to the lack of left-handed hitting outfielders, there aren't many appealing options down below. Alex Presley has raised his average to .288 after a slow start, but he isn't on the 40-man roster or kicking down the door. The same goes for DJ Stewart (.269) and Jaycob Brugman (.253). Michael Saunders is batting .161/.291/.253 with one home run in 25 games and Tuesday is the opt-out date on his contract.

The Orioles don't have any current plans to select it.

Santander's assignment to Double-A Bowie likely will have a ripple effect on the outfields at the upper levels of the system.

The Orioles claimed corner infielder/outfielder Renato Núñez off waivers from the Rangers yesterday and he's on the 40-man roster. But does he stay on it or could the Orioles attempt to pass him through waivers and outright him to Norfolk?

We'll know if Núñez is in the clubhouse on Tuesday. There isn't a clear spot for him because Peterson is more of a true utility player and I don't see him replacing Valencia.

The Tides could use another infielder with Engelb Vielma undergoing surgery Tuesday on his fractured patella and Adrian Marin moving up from Bowie.

"Renato Núñez has good power and could develop into a major league player," executive vice president Dan Duquette wrote in a text.

The bullpen has gone from carrying one left-hander to three in a swift period. Hart deserved a call-up because he'd been on a nice roll in Norfolk, but does he get swapped out?

Do the Orioles maintain their patience with Rule 5 pick Pedro Araujo, who's been scored upon in five straight outings and seven of eight? He has a 13.50 ERA and 2.438 WHIP in four May appearances and opponents are batting .348/.483/.783.

David Hess shouldn't unpack his bags because he figures to come back to the Orioles and start in Boston. Meanwhile, someone has to start Wednesday afternoon against the Phillies - unless the forecast holds up and rain pelts the area.

Miguel Castro is a candidate unless he's needed in relief Tuesday night. Showalter doesn't want Hess working on short rest again. Of course, we were led to believe that Hess wouldn't pitch on short rest Saturday, so I'll give myself a little wiggle room.

Hunter Harvey's next start at Bowie is slated for Tuesday night. He worked five innings in his last outing, a significant accomplishment following his surgery, and allowed two runs, but the Orioles may not be ready to toss him into their rotation.

"Harvey's right where he needs to be," Showalter said, referring to the first-round pick's progression, not residence. "He was pretty good last time out."

Non-roster pitcher Tim Melville, signed as a minor league free agent in December, would be working on normal rest Wednesday and his stock in the organization is on the rise. He's 5-0 with a 2.97 ERA and 1.18 WHIP and opponents are batting .203 against him.

"Melville had another good outing (Friday) night," Showalter said. "He's on the radar. He's been throwing good."

Left-hander Jayson Aquino was given brief consideration for the Game 1 start on Saturday before Hess claimed it. Aquino started twice for the Orioles last season before entering the pitcher protection program.

It must have been the 11 earned runs in 13 1/3 innings in four games.

Aquino was transferred to Bowie out of necessity, not a punishment, and allowed one hit in seven scoreless innings last Monday night in Altoona. I know, Chris Tillman did the same thing against the Tigers. Settle down.

Facing Hartford instead of the Rays on Saturday, Aquino allowed four runs and six hits and walked two batters over three innings and suffered his first loss.