Showalter on Tejada, Flaherty, Castillo and more (we're tied)

The only transaction for the Orioles today involved infielder Rubén Tejada, who had his contract selected from Triple-A Norfolk. Tejada replaced Paul Janish, who was designated for assignment.

"We're hoping Paul clears and continues with us down in Norfolk," said manager Buck Showalter.

The Orioles acquired Tejada from the Yankees on Thursday for cash considerations.

"He was available and had an out in his contract, and people thought he was a guy we wanted to add," Showalter said.

Dr. Michael Jacobs will examine Ryan Flaherty on Friday before it's determined whether the infielder can begin to throw. In the meantime, the Orioles kept checking on available utility players.

"Just trying to put our best foot forward," Showalter said. "Not that Paul wasn't. Just had some people who really thought Rubén would be a good addition."

Showalter said he sought input from Mets manager Terry Collins. And coach Einar Diaz, also a native of Panama, has known Tejada for many years.

I mentioned earlier today that catcher Welington Castillo took early batting practice and may not need an injury rehab assignment.

"The problem is the minor league schedule doesn't cooperate with us at a time when he could potentially play somewhere," Showalter said. "The closest is Trenton while we're in New York, which is 71 miles from stadium to stadium, I saw.

"We may just do a sim game with him, have him catch BP with some hitters in there and see if ... It's kind of up in the air whether he'll go out or not. There's a chance he won't and just start playing for us on Saturday. But if it's a good day for him today, I feel real comfortable with having a couple of days with us there in Washington and New York.

"Early BP the first day in New York, probably do some simulation things with him, unless he goes to Trenton. That's about the only option we have with him."

Showalter said there hasn't been a setback with Flaherty, who seemed poised to start throwing by early this week.

"I actually texted Brian (Graham) today about how he's feeling," Showalter said. "He's a little frustrated because he's ready to go. He wants to go and they're being very cautious with it, but you've got to get this thing done the right time. It could be something that could really head toward surgery if you don't get it healed right the first time, so they want to make sure that happens.

"I guess instead of throwing this week, they decided to let Dr. Jacobs clear him. As soon as that happens, he'll be moving quickly. I just hope Mike feels comfortable clearing him."

Showalter will become a grandfather for the first time later this month. Daughter Allie is due in a few weeks and Showalter is expected to leave the team.

People keep asking Showalter what his grandson is going to call him.

"Like he's already able to perceive it this quickly?" Showalter asked.

"Anybody in here a grandparent? What do they call you? What about G-Daddy?

"I don't think G-Daddy is going to make the cut."

Update: Seth Smith hit his second leadoff home run of the season, a 419-foot shot off Ivan Nova that struck the batter's eye in center field, to give the Orioles a quick 1-0 lead.

Smith has four career leadoff home runs.

Update II: The first four batters reached against Kevin Gausman in the top of the second inning and the Pirates took a 3-1 lead. Gausman threw 13 pitches in the first inning and 33 in the second.

Manny Machado committed a throwing error on Josh Bell's infield hit, but all three runs were earned. Andrew McCutchen had an RBI single, John Jaso followed with an RBI double and McCutchen scored on Jordy Mercer's one-hopper to second baseman Jonathan Schoop.

Update III: David Freese homered off Gausman with one out in the sixth to increase the lead to 4-1. Gausman has thrown 98 pitches in six innings and the Orioles don't have a hit since Adam Jones' bunt single in the first.

Update IV: Chris Davis and Schoop hit back-to-back home runs to open the bottom of the seventh inning and reduce the lead to 4-3. Nova walked off the mound with the Pirates' athletic trainer.

The Orioles have gone back-to-back four times this season and Schoop has been involved in all four.

Gausman allowed four runs and eight hits in 6 2/3 innings, with one walk and five strikeouts. He threw 113 pitches, 70 for strikes.

Update V: Davis singled off left-hander Tony Watson to lead off the bottom of the ninth and Schoop followed with a two-run shot to center field to tie the game. Schoop has five career multi-homer games.

Darren O'Day allowed a run in the top of the ninth on a two-out walk to Adam Frazier and Josh Harrison's triple.