Orioles adding Walker to expanded roster

With the division title in hand and an opportunity to rest key players heading into the postseason, the Orioles will select the contract of first baseman Christian Walker from Triple-A Norfolk and add him to their expanded roster. Walker should be at Camden Yards before tonight's game. It's a relatively short flight from Sarasota, where he's been part of the taxi squad at the Ed Smith Stadium complex. Manager Buck Showalter told reporters last night that the club likely would add another player by Thursday's off-day. The Orioles were hesitant to place Walker on their 40-man roster, since he didn't need to be protected in this winter in the Rule 5 draft. However, Showalter would like to rest first baseman Steve Pearce, who was sidelined earlier with a strained abdominal muscle and occasionally gets treatment on his wrist. As if this club can afford to lose another regular from the lineup. Better to be careful with certain players. Also, Walker has a shot at making the team next season and the Orioles can do a quick evaluation over the next few weeks. Walker, a fourth-round selection in the 2012 draft out of the University of South Carolina, was named the Orioles' minor league Player of the Year after leading the organization with 26 home runs and 96 RBIs between Double-A Bowie and Norfolk. He batted a combined .288/.357/.489 with 25 doubles and two triples, and also took the necessary steps to improve defensively.