Orioles cut three more players from camp roster

CLEARWATER, Fla. - The Orioles reduced their spring training roster to 45 players today by optioning pitcher Dylan Bundy to Double-A Bowie and first baseman Christian Walker to Triple-A Norfolk and reassigning pitcher Hunter Harvey to minor league camp.

The announcement was made following the Orioles' 16-4 thrashing of the Phillies at Bright House Field.

Bundy allowed a run and two hits in 1 1/3 innings, with two walks, a strikeout and a hit batter. He didn't look comfortable on the mound for the only time this spring.

Bundy, who was full-go in camp following ligament-reconstructive surgery on his right elbow in June 2013, gave up four runs and seven hits in six innings this spring. He's ticketed for Bowie's rotation.

Harvey allowed his first spring run today and walked two batters in the eighth, but he struck out the last two batters he faced. He worked three innings over three games and permitted one hit, with two walks and four strikeouts.

As manager Buck Showalter pointed out earlier today, Harvey could make his major league debut later this summer and the Orioles will make sure he's got enough innings left in his arm.

Walker will be the starting first baseman at Norfolk. He was 1-for-12 with a double this spring.

Bundy, Harvey and Walker are ranked as the top three prospects in the organization by Baseball America.

Earlier today, the Orioles released veteran left-hander Mark Hendrickson. Showalter is waiting to find out whether Hendrickson is retiring.

Showalter was going to make a few more cuts today, but he decided to wait. The Orioles want to check on the health of pitchers Ryan Webb and Jason Garcia, among others, before sending out more players.