Steve Pearce joining Bowie over the weekend

Steve Pearce is flying into Baltimore tonight and will report to Double-A Bowie on Saturday.

Pearce will be in the Baysox lineup for the next two days. The Orioles will decide whether to have him fly into Kansas City for Monday's series opener against the Royals.

Pearce would need to leave Sunday's game earlier to make the team charter. He could grab a flight on Monday or report later in the week.

It's up in the air, so to speak.

The Orioles would need to make a corresponding 25-man roster move if they activate Pearce before Sept. 1.

Pearce went 2-for-7 in two games with the Gulf Coast League Orioles. He's expected to play first base for one game at Bowie and the outfield in another game.

Pearce has been on the disabled list retroactive to July 19 with a left oblique strain.

Manager Buck Showalter said Miguel Gonzalez, who's posted a 6.48 ERA in 11 starts since coming off the disabled list, will remain in the rotation.

"He's our best option," Showalter said. "I don't think twice about it."

Showalter said it's still likely that reliever Chaz Roe will stay on the disabled list until rosters expand on Sept. 1. Roe will need to go on an injury rehab assignment.

Mike Wright remains scheduled to throw a three-inning, 45-pitch simulated game on Saturday in Sarasota.

Double-A Bowie shortstop Ozzie Martinez has been activated from the disabled list, and infielder Derrik Gibson has been transferred from Bowie to Triple-A Norfolk.

For the Twins
Byron Buxton CF
Brian Dozier 2B
Joe Mauer 1B
Miguel Sano DH
Trevor Plouffe 3B
Torii Hunter RF
Eddie Rosario LF
Kurt Suzuki C
Eduardo Nunez SS

Tommy Milone LHP