Orioles place Jorge Rondon on taxi squad (updated again)

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

September 03, 2015, 1:38pm

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Following last night's dramatic 11-inning win over the Rays, Orioles manager Buck Showalter said the club most likely would add a pitcher and a position player to the expanded roster before Friday night's game in Toronto.

The Orioles optioned outfielder Dariel Alvarez to Single-A Frederick, since visa issues prevented him from making the trip. And they placed reliever Jorge Rondon on the taxi squad this afternoon with the intent of putting him in their bullpen against the Blue Jays.

Rondon was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk on Aug. 27. The only way he can be recalled before 10 days have expired is if he's replacing someone on the disabled list.

It's clear now that the Orioles will put Miguel Gonzalez on the DL with tendinitis in his right shoulder and elbow. The announcement is expected to be made on Friday, according to a team official.

The Orioles wouldn't bother with the DL except that they want Rondon back on the roster.

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Alvarez's replacement can't be a player who was optioned less than 10 days ago. Henry Urrutia and Nolan Reimold, for example, were sent down on Aug. 28 and no longer are candidates.

The Orioles probably want a right-handed bat with Alvarez gone and the Blue Jays starting two left-handers this weekend. Christian Walker and Junior Lake are on the 40-man roster. They're both in Norfolk's lineup tonight.

Rondon has allowed one run in 7 1/3 innings over three appearances with the Orioles. He's 3-1 with a 2.33 ERA in 30 games with Norfolk.

Tyler Wilson was activated from the disabled list and will start Sunday for the Tides. They also received left-hander Pat McCoy from Double-A Bowie.

Update: Mike Wright will join the Orioles tonight in Toronto, as first reported by The Virginian-Pilot. He's a candidate to start Saturday on short rest after throwing 65 pitches Tuesday night in Norfolk.

Update II: I've heard Wright is definitely getting strong consideration for Saturday's start, and Lake is expected to be called up as Alvarez's replacement. As always, stay tuned.