Notes on Wieters, Despaigne and more

Orioles manager Buck Showalter said he expects catcher Matt Wieters to remain on paternity leave at least through Sunday's game at Camden Yards.

Wieters and wife Maria are at the hospital and doctors induced labor this morning. Wieters can stay away from the team for a maximum of three days.

Showalter said reports on Odrisamer Despaigne, recalled today from Triple-A Norfolk, show that the right-hander is "throwing the ball well."

Despaigne is the long reliever tonight if starter Chris Tillman makes an early exit.

"We have to be prepared," Showalter said. "We don't expect it, but you better be ready for it if Chris warms up tonight and there's an issue. The game will go on. You better have some plan there."

Left-hander Brian Duensing will throw one inning Monday and Wednesday in the Gulf Coast League and two innings on Aug. 27 and 30 at Double-A Bowie. He's expected to be added to the expanded September roster.

Left-hander T.J. McFarland, on an injury rehab assignment while recovering from a knee injury, has allowed five earned runs and seven hits in 2 1/3 innings in his two appearances with Single-A Frederick.

"Physically, he's feeling fine," Showalter said. "Had a little trouble with results the first couple of outings, but stuff-wise, velocity, all that other stuff, he's good. If I know Mac, he's probably a little strong. I hope that's the case."

McFarland is on the major league disabled list and the Orioles must decide after activating him whether he returns to the active roster or is optioned to Norfolk.

"Probably have some decision where that's concerned after his next outing," Showalter said.

Showalter said he's trying to find the right spots to use Ubaldo Jimenez out of the bullpen, but he added, "The more they pitch well, the more spots you have."

"It's hard to do," Showalter added. "You don't know who's going to do what. You can never assume anything."

Logan Ondrusak, optioned to Bowie on Aug. 11, allowed one hit and struck out three batters Thursday night in a scoreless inning.

"He pitched well," Showalter said. "In fact, the narrative, and I won't give it up, was indicative of someone who, with his background, should do at that level. The split was really good."

For the Astros
George Springer RF
Alex Bregman 3B
Jose Altuve 2B
Carlos Correa SS
Evan Gattis DH
A.J. Reed 1B
Teoscar Hernandez CF
Jason Castro C
Tony Kemp LF

Mike Fiers RHP