Orioles option Flaherty

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

July 04, 2015, 2:37pm

Comments

The Orioles have optioned infielder Ryan Flaherty to Triple-A Norfolk and are expected to activate second baseman Jonathan Schoop from the disabled list for Sunday's series finale against the White Sox.

Schoop joined the team in Chicago and was in the dugout for today's 3-2 loss at U.S. Cellular Field. His injury rehab assignment ended after Friday night's game at Single-A Frederick.

Schoop will start at second base on Sunday against White Sox rookie left-hander Carlos Rodon. He was 9-for-34 with two doubles, four home runs and seven RBIs in nine minor league games.

Flaherty, 28, is batting .248/.328/.386 with six doubles, three triples, three home runs and 20 RBIs in 51 games. He's made 45 starts at second base.

Schoop played nine games for the Orioles before injuring his right knee in Boston on April 17. He's batting .259/.310/.630 with a double, three home runs and seven RBIs.

Flaherty may stay with the team rather than report to the Tides. He could take Nolan Reimold's spot on Monday when the outfielder goes on a three-day paternity leave.

The Orioles eventually could send Flaherty to Norfolk, but they also may want him as their utility infielder. In the meantime, they can further delay a difficult decision regarding their roster crunch.