Orioles option Ryan Flaherty

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

April 25, 2016, 2:21pm

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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The Orioles have optioned infielder Ryan Flaherty to Triple-A Norfolk to create a roster spot for starter Kevin Gausman.

The decision leaves manager Buck Showalter with a short bench, but the bullpen and rotation remain intact.

For how long is another matter, but Flaherty must stay down for at least 10 days unless he replaces an injured player.

Flaherty was 2-for-10 in four games this season. He started at third base yesterday, with Manny Machado replacing J.J. Hardy at shortstop.

The Orioles didn't want to designate Vance Worley for assignment and they decided not to option Mike Wright, T.J. McFarland or Mychal Givens.

Showalter spoke earlier today of the abundance of right-handed hitters on the White Sox's roster. They come to Baltimore for a four-game series beginning Thursday night.

McFarland may not see much action in that series, but he owns a career 2.05 ERA in 26 1/3 innings against the Yankees, who follow the White Sox into Camden Yards.

The bench tonight consists of outfielders Nolan Reimold and Hyun Soo Kim and catcher Caleb Joseph. Flaherty was a valuable backup at all four infield positions.

Machado can slide over to short, Chris Davis is capable of playing third base and Pedro Alvarez can cover first and third, but who's the backup second baseman?

Maybe another move is in the works and this arrangement is more temporary than a 10-day period. Showalter said he didn't want to use four relievers yesterday in Kansas City, a reason why he stuck with Wright in the seventh inning.

Stay tuned.