Orioles continue to discuss expanded roster

ARLINGTON, Texas - Orioles manager Buck Showalter still isn't showing his hand regarding the September call-ups.

The Orioles will add a few bullpen arms, including Chaz Roe, who's supposed to come off the disabled list on Wednesday. One or two minor league relievers initially are expected to be promoted.

More players will be summoned after Triple-A Norfolk's season is done. The Tides are in position to make the International League playoffs and the Orioles won't raid their roster, though helping the major league club remains the top priority.

"I think we'll initially start serving what needs we have right away and then go from there," Showalter said. "I think we'll be able to solve both needs, the needs of our club and the needs of Norfolk. That's what we're trying to do. But we're going to err on the side of Baltimore."

Mike Wright is scheduled to start again for the Tides on Tuesday as part of his injury rehab assignment. He could be in the mix.

"Eventually, we could," Showalter said. "I know he's scheduled to start back down there again. We'll kind of wait and see how everybody does.

"Wright won't be able to go more than five (innings), but having September call-ups, you don't worry about a short guy."

I asked Showalter whether Oliver Drake, who's posted a 0.63 ERA with 22 saves in 41 games at Norfolk, is a consideration. Drake (Navy) has allowed three runs and 21 hits in 43 innings, with 16 walks and 66 strikeouts, and he's a favorite to be named the organization's minor league Pitcher of the Year.

"He's under strong consideration," Showalter replied. "I want them to focus there and finish off a good season that a lot of those guys have had down there. Oliver's had as good of a statistical year as you want to see a reliever have. He's pretty glad we protected him. He's had that type of year."

The Norfolk roster includes four outfielders who have played in Baltimore this season - Nolan Reimold, David Lough, Henry Urrutia and Junior Lake. What are the chances that some or all of them make the expanded roster?

"One, two, three or four," Showalter said. "I'm not really there yet. If we do that, somebody's got to play in those playoffs."

(Don't be shocked if non-roster outfielder Julio Borbon comes up. He's a plus-defender and runner, and Showalter has been impressed with him all season.)

Could the Orioles dip into Double-A Bowie's roster? The Baysox, also in line to make the playoffs, have first baseman Trey Mancini, who's batting .351/.389/.570 with 25 doubles, three triples, 11 home runs and 51 RBIs in 74 games since being promoted from Single-A Frederick. He's a slam-dunk to be named the organization's minor league Player of the Year.

"That would be a question for Dan (Duquette)," Showalter said. "I know we've talked about it, thought about it, a couple guys. You probably know who we're talking about. But I'm not going to say an arm or a position player. They're trying to close it out, too."

Not much clarity on the expanded roster subject.

"I know what I would do," Showalter said. "We'll wait, as we get closer. With Dan, we met before we left and we'll see what may have changed. Someone who was going to come may already be here."

That would be outfielder Dariel Alvarez.

Players were glued to the big-screen television in the visiting clubhouse this afternoon watching the Red Land team from Lewisberry in York County, Pa., advance to the championship of the Little League World Series. They hung on every pitch until the walk-off single.

The Orioles arranged yesterday for Showalter and Manny Machado to address the team on speaker phone.

"Manny said something I never heard before," Showalter said. "They wanted to talk to Manny. They know who Manny is. He said, 'Bring the 'ship home.' I said that's pretty good. I guess bring the ship to dock. But I guess that's cool for bring the championship. It's slang.

"That was good. That was kind of cool. We were one or two games away from being there when I was 12. Remember it like it was yesterday."

Players were rooting hard for Red Land and cheered the finish, which set up Sunday afternoon's final against Japan.

"I think a lot of it has to do with it being nearby," Showalter said. "I think they're coming to the ballpark, think we've got that set up.

"They've got their work cut out for them now."

Single-A Frederick reliever Cody Wheeler, 26, has been named a Carolina League postseason All-Star.

Wheeler is 4-1 with a 2.90 ERA and 17 saves in 41 games. In 49 2/3 innings, he's issued 28 walks, struck out 56 and held opponents to a .195 average.