Showalter deciding Monday doubleheader starter (O's down 5-3)

MINNESOTA - The Orioles haven't settled on the second starter for Monday's doubleheader against the Yankees at Camden Yards. The only confirmation involves Yefry Ramirez's start in the other game.

Jimmy Yacabonis has been pulled from Sunday's start with Triple-A Norfolk and could join the Orioles. However, manager Buck Showalter also will consider relievers Mike Wright Jr. and Miguel Castro.

"We'll see how things go the next couple of days," Showalter said.

Wright has lowered his ERA from 9.15 on May 12 to 4.93 after tossing 1 1/3 scoreless innings last night. He hasn't allowed a run in his last 8 2/3 innings.

Pitching last night didn't eliminate Wright from consideration. It basically served as a workday if he ends up making the start.

Wright hadn't allowed a run in his last four appearances over 8 2/3 innings. These aren't clean innings, but no one has crossed the plate.

The added miles-per-hour on his fastball have led to better results. He's back to touching the mid-90s, reaching back for a little extra when he wants it.

"His stuff ticked up, his velocity," Showalter said. "You all have watched it. Early in the season, he was still scratching his head a little bit with his velocity, and just little by little you can see there's a lot more confident approach.

"When you're throwing 94-95 as opposed to 91, you're going to have a lot more confidence. You can tell from just his body language and getting down the hill. It's made his cutter better. He threw a couple good changeups last night too. Tough lineup for a right-handed pitcher to go through."

One question to pose is whether it's wise to disrupt Wright while he's gotten on a roll. But it's significant that he's entered the starter conversation.

"I think what's really been heartening is his durability," Showalter said. "This guy has pitched a couple innings and he's ready to go the next day. I wasn't expecting that from him with ... he had some issues last year we had to be really careful with. This year's it's been just the opposite. He bounces back as good as anyone we've got. That's been a good sign.

"I'm sure Mike, in the back of his head, would still like to get back to starting. You put together his body of work over the last month or so, and it's been pretty good."

Trey Mancini is on the bench today, but he's fine physically and could play if needed.

Showalter said he wanted to get Jace Peterson in the lineup. He had the same intention last night when starting Joey Rickard in right field.

"Trying to not let them get too far from some at bats," Showalter said.

Update: Tim Beckham doubled in the first inning and scored on Manny Machado's ground ball, and Chris Davis hit a two-run homer to center field to give the Orioles a 3-0 lead.

Update II: Max Kepler homered off Kevin Gausman with one out in the fifth to cut the lead to 3-1.

Update III: Gausman threw 41 pitches in the fifth and the Twins scored three runs to tie the game 3-3. Bobby Wilson, batting .113, had an RBI single and the tying run scored on a wild pitch.

Update IV: Wilson's two-out, two-run double off Miguel Castro in the sixth gave the Twins a 5-3 lead.