Prepping the pitching for the doubleheader and beyond

If you need a reminder or an explanation why the Orioles do everything in their power to play games despite threatening forecasts and weather, I give you today's single-admission doubleheader at Camden Yards and the potential to wreck a pitching staff.

Both teams can bring up a 26th man and the Orioles chose David Hess, who also starts Game 1 against the Rays. Jimmy Yacabonis was recalled yesterday and could piggyback if needed.

Miguel Castro threw 65 pitches on Thursday after replacing Chris Tillman and, though born with a rubber arm and plenty of want-to, he isn't automatically ready to go again today.

(Full disclosure: Castro doesn't have a rubber arm and can't pitch every day. Manager Buck Showalter offered confirmation yesterday when he stated, "I've found that nobody's got a rubber arm. If you do that, you're going to regret it.")

Castro was working out on the field yesterday before batting practice. No wonder the guy can't gain weight. After pitching 4 2/3 innings the previous night, I'd be in a recliner with my feet propped up and a can of Pringles.

There's no doubt that Castro will tell Showalter this morning that he's available.

"What is a guy like Miguel or Pedro (Araujo) going to say? 'I can't pitch?' OK, go back to Chicago," Showalter said.

"They've got options. Pedro's got an option. Just not an option that's good for us. Miguel's got an option. All of God's children have some option."

Dylan Bundy was at least a brief consideration for the doubleheader after throwing only 28 pitches Tuesday, but he's starting Sunday's series finale before the Orioles get another break on Monday.

The Orioles revealed their plans for Chris Tillman yesterday after batting practice and I could hear eyebrows raised among fans. And they stay there, and they stay there, and they stay there.

Tillman went on the disabled list with a strained lower back, and Yacabonis claimed his spot on the roster. Tillman said he was fine physically Thursday night after retiring only four Royals. Maybe he was reluctant to discuss his back. The cynical will say the club invented the injury and a pothole is so 2014.

Showalter noted how Tillman underwent a lengthy MRI yesterday and the disabled list was necessary. Spare him the eye rolls.

There were three outcomes in play: The disabled list, DFA or accepting a minor league assignment if clearing waivers. The last one wasn't going to happen.

While some fans voiced their displeasure yesterday at the DL assignment, I don't see the downside to it. A struggling Tillman is out of the rotation and likely won't return in 10 days. Someone else gets a chance. He can rest and regroup and go on an injury rehab assignment in the minors to work on his delivery and whatever else needs adjusting. He's getting paid whether or not he pitches for the Orioles.

Castro would seem to be a logical replacement for Tillman in the rotation if Showalter is comfortable with robbing Peter to pay Paul. He does so reluctantly.

Someone must be able to fill Castro's role. But it's more important to find a dependable starter for the backend of the rotation and not continue to activate the bullpen in the first and second innings.

Hess has posted a 2.12 ERA in six outings at Norfolk, but the Orioles seemed more inclined to test him first in a relief role before he graduated to starter. Unless it's Game 1 of a doubleheader.

Too soon for Hunter Harvey. Let the kid get more innings under his belt at Double-A Bowie.

Yacabonis has made his first six career starts this year at Norfolk. Seems a tad ambitious to consider him for a major league rotation in May.

All bets are off, so to speak, if the Orioles decide later to become sellers and concede the 2018 season. You consider guys like Hess and Yacabonis. You check Harvey's innings later in the summer and, if not at risk, toss him into the deep end.

Play Austin Hays in the outfield, create a 40-man spot for Cedric Mullins. Let the kids run wild.