Pregame notes on Gonzalez, rotation, Davis, Wendelstedt and more

Miguel Gonzalez remains the Orioles' scheduled starter for Tuesday night's game against the Rays at Tropicana Field. Kevin Gausman will start on Wednesday. "That's where we're headed," said manager Buck Showalter. "I think that's what we're planning on doing unless we get thrown a curveball." The Orioles will wait until Tuesday to activate Gonzalez from the disabled list unless they use both long relievers today and need him in the bullpen Monday night. Ubaldo Jimenez will get an extra work day. He could be used out of the bullpen in an emergency situation before his next start. "I've got a couple guys who I don't think would probably be good candidates for long relief," Showalter said, "where the other guys would probably be OK doing it." Showalter continues to resist saying that he's using a six-man rotation, conceding only that it's a possibility. It's not known which pitcher is coming off the 25-man roster when the Orioles activate Gonzalez. The team is off Thursday. And another roster move is pending once Manny Machado finally serves his suspension, with the Orioles bringing up an infielder and sending down a pitcher. "It depends on the off-day. We could still make another move," Showalter said. "We have sent down some guys who were pitching well," Showalter said. "That happens, unfortunately." Orioles starting pitchers have gone at least six innings and allowed two runs or fewer in eight of the last nine games. The only exception was Jimenez's outing last Sunday, when he surrendered six earned runs in 2 1/3 innings. Showalter confirmed that Chris Davis' absence from the lineup today isn't due to a physical issue. "We talked about it a day or so ago," he said. "Gives us a nice weapon off the bench." The Orioles were 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position yesterday and are batting .200 (11-for-55) in the first nine games of the homestand. Plate umpire Hunter Wendelstedt has been scratched from today's game after colliding with Adam Jones yesterday at first base. Jerry Layne will work the plate. Wendelstedt's head hit the ground as he fell backward. Shameless plug alert: I'm appearing on "O's Xtra" that airs at 1 p.m. on MASN.