Showalter pregame on Hunter, Tillman, Jones and more

NEW YORK - It has been a busy day at Yankee Stadium for the Orioles roster. Tommy Hunter was signed to a major league contract. Oliver Drake was recalled from Triple-A and T.J. McFarland and Julio Borbon were designated for assignment.

Hunter was 2-2 with a 3.74 ERA in 21 relief appearances with the Indians. He hasn't pitched in the majors since July 9 and sustained a non-displaced fracture in his back after falling at his home during the All-Star break.

"We need some arms," Showalter said of the reunion with Hunter. "We knew we were going to go to seven (pitchers in the bullpen) today. That was the whole idea behind yesterday. We needed two and we got two here.

"I think (Hunter brings) experience. Done some work on his health. He had some challenges that he seems to have behind him. We like Tommy's makeup and he's been in this division before. It is a pretty seamless fit in our locker room. We feel fortunate to add him this time of the year."

Showalter said he was close to putting Adam Jones in the starting lineup today.

"It's tempting (to start him today). With a quick turnaround. You know if it was a night game, I think he'd probably be playing. But, we'll see what tomorrow brings. He's getting there. He's getting there," he said.

The Orioles got some good news on Chris Tillman. He feels good and they have moved up his throwing session on flat ground from Tuesday to tomorrow at Camden Yards. Tillman is eligible to come off the disabled list on Sept. 5, but he is not likely to pitch in a game until a few days after that.

"Yeah, (Sept. 5) is too early," Showalter said. "We get through tomorrow, I'll give you all that (he will do after tomorrow). I don't think you see him before the 9th or 10th. I hope. I hope you do."

Showalter said Darren O'Day has had three good days in a row now and he feels postive about him.

He was asked about McFarland being designated.

"It's not your standard, that. That would be a good question for Dan (Duquette). It is not what it may appear we think. We'll see what the next few days bring for him and Julio," he said.