Notes on rotation and Joseph

Orioles manager Buck Showalter said he's leaning toward starting Kevin Gausman on Sunday against the Cardinals and Bud Norris Monday against the Yankees. A final decision probably will be made following tonight's game. Norris held the Yankees to one run over five innings in the Bronx this season before leaving the game with a groin injury. Showalter also will let tonight's game dictate the corresponding roster move Saturday when Ubaldo Jimenez comes off the disabled list and starts against the Cardinals. Showalter toyed with the idea of sending down a position player and going with a short bench, but he decided against it. He indicated that a starter or reliever could be sent down. It's apparent that Showalter doesn't want to shuffle starters in and out of the rotation and interrupt their work schedules. He also is uncomfortable going with a six-man bullpen. This should be interesting. Catcher Caleb Joseph, who has homered in his last four starts, left the team today due to a family medical situation and he may not return for the game. That's the primary reason why he's out of the lineup. Showalter wants Joseph to start the next two games. As for a backup catcher tonight, Showalter said Steve Pearce and Ryan Flaherty have gotten work behind the plate and could handle the role in an emergency.