Pregame notes on Lavarnway, Clevenger, Bundy, Flaherty and more

The Orioles are hoping that catcher Ryan Lavarnway, designated for assignment earlier today, will remain in the organization and join Triple-A Norfolk's roster. However, executive vice president Dan Duquette will gauge outside interest over the next few days.

Lavarnway can refuse an outright assignment and become a free agent if he clears waivers.

Steve Clevenger was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk and figures to stay with the club until Matt Wieters comes off the 60-day disabled list. Wieters is eligible on June 4.

Manager Buck Showalter said Clevenger did everything the club asked at Norfolk - "catch, throw, handle the pitching staff."

Showalter also said Lavarnway's swing and other aspects of his game aren't conducive to playing once a week. The Orioles believe Clevenger is better equipped to come off the bench after extended periods of inactivity.

Asked whether the Orioles could carry three catchers once Wieters returns, Showalter said there's always a chance, but he'd rather not do it.

Wieters probably will catch four games with Double-A Bowie, including tonight, and could serve as the designated hitter in between starts behind the plate.

Revisiting Dylan Bundy's shoulder examination today, the doctor said there's no structural damage and the Orioles don't have anything to worry about.

Bundy told reporters at Double-A Bowie today that he's scheduled to undergo a precautionary MRI on Wednesday. He's been given anti-inflammatories for the tendinitis in his shoulder.

Ryan Flaherty is starting at second base and batting leadoff tonight at Norfolk. He's eligible to come off the disabled list on Wednesday and the Orioles intend to place him on their 25-man roster.

Mike Wright remains scheduled to start one game of Thursday's doubleheader against the White Sox, and the Orioles will choose between Tyler Wilson and T.J. McFarland for the other game. McFarland is starting tonight at Norfolk and also will be removed early to keep him available on Thursday.

Left-hander Chris Sale is starting one game for the White Sox.

The Orioles hired Calvin Pickering as hitting coach at short-season Single-A Aberdeen.

Pickering, 38, appeared in 32 games with the Orioles in 1998-1999 after being taken in the 35th round of the 1995 First-Year Player Draft. He played his last major league game in April 2005.

The Orioles didn't leave a runner on base yesterday for the fourth time since 2000 and the first time since Aug. 6, 2011 against the Blue Jays.

The Orioles rank first in the majors with 12 outfield assists.