Showalter on roster move (plus Yankees lineup and update)

Left-hander T.J. McFarland, optioned today to make room for pitcher Tyler Wilson, will be used out of the bullpen at Triple-A Norfolk.

The Orioles want McFarland to simulate his role with the Orioles, including coming into games in the middle of an inning. He also needs to improve his control, having walked eight batters in 9 1/3 innings.

"He's had a little problem in the middle of an inning as compared to starting an inning," said manager Buck Showalter. "I think some of that's our fault. Obviously, he's got to stay down there 10 days and we'd like to simulate those situations."

mcfarland-sets-white-sidebar.jpgThe Orioles also want McFarland to raise his arm slot.

"Jim Palmer's got a great way of putting it. Trying to get the ferris wheel going instead of the merry-go-round with his mechanics," Showalter said.

"He gets a little side to side instead of north and south. Guys who feature a sinker a lot of times get a little side to side instead of staying this way (over the top)."

McFarland has posted a 1.93 ERA, allowing two earned runs in 9 1/3 innings, but he's also registered a 2.143 WHIP. He's surrendered 12 hits along with the eight walks (two intentional).

"If you're looking at ERAs and stuff, that's one thing, but peripherally it's not what Mac's capable of," Showalter said. "We've seen it. And I really would not like to pitch him today physically.

"We've got a fresh arm, whether or not we need him. I'd really like to stay away from Chaz (Roe) at least one or two days. It allows us to continue to try to keep everyone else healthy."

Asked whether Wilson would return to Norfolk in time to make his next start, Showalter replied, "It creates a lot of options for us. We'll see how things go with Gaus (Kevin Gausman) on Tuesday. We have some options as we go forward."

With Wilson joining the Orioles last night, Eddie Gamboa is starting at Norfolk today on three days' rest.

"That's another great thing about a knuckleballer at Triple-A," Showalter said.

Roe has stranded all eight inherited runners this season.

Third baseman Manny Machado extended his hitting streak to seven games (.467/.484/.800) last night and has recorded six multi-hit games during that stretch.

Shortstop J.J. Hardy is batting .318/.360/.409 during a six-game hitting streak.

Nolan Reimold hit two home runs in 46 games with Norfolk. He's hit two in four games with the Orioles.

The Orioles have registered 15 or more hits in three consecutive home games against the Yankees for the first time in club history.

The Orioles have discussed signing catcher Caleb Joseph's younger brother, Corban, an infielder released by the Braves on June 3. Corban appeared in two games with the Yankees in 2013.

Update: I'm told signing Joseph to a minor league deal is "in the process."

For the Yankees
Brett Gardner LF
Chase Headley 3B
Alex Rodriguez DH
Mark Teixeira 1B
Garrett Jones RF
Stephen Drew 2B
Didi Gregorius SS
John Ryan Murphy C
Mason Williams CF

Adam Warren RHP




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