Showalter: "They've earned the right to be on this stage"

DETROIT - Orioles manager Buck Showalter said his team has "earned the right to be on this stage." He was asked by a Detroit reporter this afternoon about how big this series with the Tigers is,

The reporter wondered if there is "more juice" for players this time of year? He obviously meant more intensity for such a big series.

"We have juice (every game)," Showalter said. "Certainly, (there is) the finality of the games. There is not another month. Our guys are embracing the opportunity because they've earned it. That is why they do all those things in the offseason, all those things in spring training and all those things when nobody is looking that nobody gets.

"They've earned the right to be on this stage. Our guys have answered so many calls to the competition. There is a certain peace you get about going into this part of the year. You know our guys will be as good as they're capable of being. I know that."

First baseman Chris Davis returns to the Orioles lineup tonight after sitting out Wednesday's game with a sore left hand. He left Tuesday's game against Tampa Bay in the fifth inning.

Showalter was asked if the injury could linger.

"Sure. Won't be gone until after the season is over, if then," he said. "We got an X-ray, kind of ruled out some things. Just constant pounding. Chris is as good as he can be for this time of year. I don't think people realize the aches and pains these guys play through, seven days a week. I wish sometime the people that did the schedule would know, but you can't make it public. A lot of these guys don't want anybody to know."

Showalter said outfielder Joey Rickard should be able to rejoin the active roster when he is eligible to come off the 60-day disabled list on Sept. 19. Rickard started swinging a bat and hitting yesterday in Sarasota.

"That's a good sign," Showalter said. "He feels good. So far, so good. (Chris) Tillman threw today, just a light side and he's ready to go (for Sunday's start). Darren (O'Day) had another good day throwing. So we are thinking about getting him to a sim (simulated) game very shortly. And hopefully he will be with us in the next week or so."

Showalter seems confident that Rickard, who has been out with a right thumb ligament injury, should avoid surgery.

"I don't think you can say that for sure, Showalter said. "They like the way it has healed. But if it all the sudden flares up again, I'm sure there might be some consideration there. But he didn't have the attachment I understand that you have to have surgery with. It's been a long haul for him.

"I'm a little surprised that he didn't come over to Tampa. But he probably didn't know he could or he should. Probably my fault. I should have invited him."