Notes on Wandy Rodriguez, Ryan Flaherty and more

It's a slow news day at Camden Yards.

Orioles manager Buck Showalter described left-hander Wandy Rodriguez as "inventory" following news today that the club signed him to a minor league deal.

Rodriguez, 37, has been sent to extended spring training in Sarasota. The Orioles eventually want to insert him into Triple-A Norfolk's rotation, but he may push for a promotion to the majors.

For now, the plan is to stretch him out and allow him to shake off the rust, see whether he's a guy who can help the major league club.

"I know the extended spring team just got better," Showalter said.

The Orioles don't intend to stick with their three-man bench beyond May 5, when infielder Ryan Flaherty is eligible to be recalled from Triple-A Norfolk.

Flaherty could return sooner if he's replacing an injured player. Otherwise, he's got to wait a minimum of 10 days.

Flaherty is 5-for-10 with a double, RBI and two runs scored in two games with the Tides.

"I'm hoping to get back to four," Showalter said. "It was quite a challenge last night to get Adam (Jones) and J.J. (Hardy) and Chris (Davis) off the field with a three-man bench and still have one left on the bench. John (Russell) and I were pretty proud of that.

"We'll do what's best, but we know Ryan's time down there is up on the 5th unless we have an injury. He's done real well down there. I'm proud of that."

Norfolk manager Ron Johnson certainly likes having Flaherty on his roster, for however long it lasts.

"R.J. said he looks like a big leaguer playing in the minor leagues," Showalter said.

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, last night marked the third time this season that Orioles' starters in the second, third and fourth spots in the lineup homered in the same game. Manny Machado, Davis and Mark Trumbo went deep.

The Orioles never had done it even twice in the same month or three times in the same season.

It's what you know ...

Jones is batting fifth again after collecting two hits last night.

"I like him anywhere," Showalter said.

Showalter said he considered batting Joey Rickard ninth despite a .295 average "just to have that flow at the bottom."

For the White Sox
Adam Eaton RF
Jimmy Rollins SS
Jose Abreu 1B
Todd Frazier 3B
Melky Cabrera LF
Brett Lawrie 2B
Avisail Garcia DH
Dioner Navarro C
Austin Jackson CF

Carlos Rodon LHP