Orioles option Christian Walker and move him to left field

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles optioned Christian Walker to Triple-A Norfolk following today's 16-8 win over the Red Sox, leaving them with 43 players on the camp roster, including eight non-roster invitees.

Walker will be the regular left fielder at Norfolk after playing first base in all 377 of his minor league games since the Orioles selected him in the fourth round of the 2012 draft out of the University of South Carolina.

"We want to get him down there playing the outfield every day," said manager Buck Showalter.

Did Walker open Showalter's eyes in camp after collecting four doubles, a triple, four home runs and 14 RBIs in 22 games?

"No. He kept them open. They were already open," Showalter replied.

"Christian's got a track record. And I thought he was more centered. He can do this. And I know he's excited about playing the outfield. He's played some third base. He's actually been a catcher in high school and some when he first went to South Carolina. He let that slip out today. Don't think I didn't file that one away for a third catcher guy.

"He's going to play left field every day for Norfolk, the way I understand it. We asked that to happen. Brian (Graham) and Dan (Duquette) and R.J. (Ron Johnson) and them have been messing around trying to set those rosters. It's challenging. A lot of outfielders. We just added one."

Walker, who turns 25 on Monday, said he's looking forward to playing a new position.

"Definitely. It's a new experience," he said. "Could be an opportunity. Just got to keep hitting and learn the new position."

Walker played two games in left field this spring and threw out a runner at third base in Dunedin. Confidence also comes from brief flashes.

"Yeah, it does," he said. "Obviously, the sample size is very short and it is learning a new position regardless of how quickly I can learn something or pick something up, so I'm going to take my time with it and get the reps I need. Whenever anything's good and ready, it will be my time.

"I do anticipate picking it up quickly. We have a couple of good outfield coordinators. I worked with (Wayne) Kirby a few times here and I plan on working with Scotty Beerer over in minor league camp in the short time left in spring. I look forward to getting a lot of reps."

Walker, the organization's minor league Player of the Year in 2014, already has been seeking out teammates who can offer tips. There won't be a shortage in Norfolk, considering the number of veterans who may be on the roster.

"It's been nothing but advice and suggestions, from Jonesy (Adam Jones) to (Joey) Rickard to just everybody who's played that position longer than me," Walker said. "Just trying to be a sponge and soak it all in and learn the position for myself, too."

Walker is taking the switch as a compliment. The Orioles believe he can do it or they wouldn't waste his time or their own.

"It's motivational," he said. "I feel like anytime something like this happens, it's for an opportunity. You can't obviously predict the future or anything like that, but I'm just going to work on picking it up as quick as I can and playing my game and hopefully the rest falls into place."