Orioles option Pat Valaika

The Orioles announced one half of a roster move this afternoon, optioning utility player Pat Valaika to the alternate training site in Bowie.

How they replace Valaika will be revealed prior to Saturday night's game against the Red Sox at Camden Yards.

Outfielder DJ Stewart is expected to be activated from the injured list. He hasn't played since straining his left hamstring on March 5 in Dunedin, but he's working out at Bowie and eligible to return.

Valaika is 1-for-9 with a walk and run scored in four games. He started at second base yesterday and also has played first base and replaced the injured Austin Hays in left field.

Ramón Urías stays with the club in a super-utility capacity, though he's 1-for-6 with five strikeouts.

Stewart went 2-for-8 with a pair of home runs in spring training, but injured the hamstring while running out a ground ball. He slashed .193/.355/.455 with two doubles, seven home runs and 15 RBIs last summer in 112 plate appearances.

A stint at the alternate camp site was followed by a power binge, with Stewart launching five home runs in four games and seven in nine. His first three hits were home runs after going hitless in 22 plate appearances.

Bringing back Stewart gives the Orioles a fifth outfielder with Ryan McKenna staying in Baltimore. Hays is on the injured list with a strained right hamstring.

Manager Brandon Hyde could use Stewart as his designated hitter, put him in left field and return Ryan Mountcastle to DH or bring him off the bench.

The offense could use a nudge.

The Orioles are batting .219/.265/.324 and their .589 OPS was the fourth-lowest in baseball heading into today. They have five hits or fewer in three of the past four games.

Valaika appeared in 52 games last season and batted .277/.315/.475 with four doubles and eight home runs. He also played six positions.

The Orioles avoided arbitration with Valaika by signing him to a contract that pays $875,000 if he's in the majors and $300,000 in the minors.