Quick hits before tonight's game

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

March 30, 2016, 12:38pm

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SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles manager Buck Showalter confirmed that Yovani Gallardo is the club's No. 2 starter and will pitch against the Twins on April 6, followed by Ubaldo Jimenez on April. 7.

Showalter has figured out the rest of his rotation, but he's not going to reveal it before informing the pitchers.

The club needs a fifth starter on April 10 and it won't be Kevin Gausman, who's headed to the disabled list with tendinitis in his right shoulder. Showalter said the Orioles are aiming for an April 19 return against the Blue Jays at Camden Yards.

Showalter confirmed that catcher Audry Perez has been reassigned to minor league camp, which leaves the roster at 39 players. Perez will report to Triple-A Norfolk.

Showalter wouldn't confirm that Miguel Gonzalez has been placed on release waivers, saying it would be "unethical."

Gonzalez can become a free agent if unclaimed within 48 hours.

Showalter noted that decisions on the back end of the rotation weren't based only on spring results. He also leaned on track records.

For Gonzalez, it's the second half of 2015 and continuing struggles this spring that determined his fate. The Orioles must not believe that he can bounce back and didn't want to pay him $5.1 in the minors.

Hyun Soo Kim won't play again until his situation "comes to a head," Showalter said. The Orioles are waiting for Kim to decide whether to accept an assignment to the minors.

The roster could hold 30-35 players for Friday's exhibition game in Philadelphia. It must be set for opening day by noon on Sunday.