Speculating on Tuesday's starter (tarp's off field)

Orioles manager Buck Showalter hasn't made a final decision on Tuesday night's starter against the White Sox at Camden Yards, but the prime candidates are relievers Jo-Jo Reyes and Brad Bergesen. There are several factors to consider, including how much Showalter uses them out of the bullpen over the weekend. Showalter is hoping to get Reyes into tonight's game to give the left-hander some work, but it would amount to a bullpen session if Reyes is given Tuesday night's assignment. He would likely pitch one inning tonight. Reyes went 5-8 with a 5.40 ERA in 20 starts with the Blue Jays this season before being designated for assignment. If Showalter needs to dip into the minors, keep in mind that Triple-A Norfolk right-hander Rick VandenHurk would be working on normal rest Tuesday after going five innings Thursday night against Rochester. VandenHurk is 6-13 with a 4.80 ERA in 22 starts, with 123 hits, 35 walks, 84 strikeouts and 21 homers allowed in 129 1/3 innings. Left-hander Brian Matusz is starting tonight for Norfolk, which eliminates him from consideration. Also, the Orioles aren't ready to bring him back to the majors. Mitch Atkins is scheduled to start tomorrow for the Tides. Double-A Bowie left-hander Mike Ballard couldn't be recalled unless he's taking the spot of a player who goes on the disabled list. The same holds true for Norfolk lefty Mark Hendrickson. Shortstop J.J. Hardy and first baseman Chris Davis would be the DL candidates. However, X-rays taken last night on Hardy's left ankle and Davis' right shoulder came back negative. The Orioles expect to get the results of Hardy's CT scan and Davis' MRI around 6 p.m. tonight. Team orthopedist Dr. John Wilckens will review them. Davis reported that his shoulder felt better today and he'd like to swing a bat. Also, Zach Britton has started taking anti-inflammatories for his left shoulder. The Orioles want him to pitch for one of their affiliates on Aug. 14 or 15. He's eligible to come off the disabled list on the 20th, so he'd remain on schedule. Weather update: It's raining and the tarp's on the field. We've been told that the forecast isn't good. Makes sense, since Chris Tillman is pitching, After all, he is The Rain Man. No word on whether the teams would play a doubleheader tomorrow if this game is postponed.