The weather, Castillo's adjusted rehab schedule and more

WASHINGTON - The forecast is improving to the point where the Orioles are more optimistic about playing the series finale against the Nationals.

Orioles manager Buck Showalter met with Washington manager Dusty Baker earlier this afternoon and said "it looks like we might have a shot tonight." Two mutual off-days that were discussed in the event of a postponement don't work for both sides.

"One's not bad for us and it's terrible for them, and one's not bad for them and terrible for us," Showalter said.

The Orioles have adjusted Welington Castillo's rehab assignment this weekend. He's now slated to serve as the designated hitter Friday and Saturday at Double-A Bowie and catch on Sunday.

The original plan had Castillo reporting on Sunday.

"We got to thinking about it today," Showalter said. "If he's going over and he's going to be there, why wouldn't he DH? It was as much his idea as ours.

"It makes a lot of sense because you can start and stop the rehab. Say, he DHs Friday and Saturday and he has a problem throwing to the bases on Sunday. You can stop the rehab. So, we'll see."

Castillo threw again today, and there's significant improvement in his right shoulder. He's going to throw to the bases on Saturday as part of his progression.

"Hopefully, everything goes well and he joins us in Detroit," Showalter said.

Reliever Darren O'Day is expected to be available tonight. Showalter chose last night to avoid using him.

"He would have, but I'm not going to," Showalter said. "We have conversations, Roger (McDowell) and Alan (Mills), and then we sit down about an hour before the game and go over the bullpen. Didn't like it, didn't like the feedback we were getting.

"It always starts with our guys. 'I'll pitch, but ...' You talk about it. You have to decide how much the 'but' means."

The Orioles discussed the idea of calling up a pitcher today.

"Right now, it doesn't look like we're going to," Showalter said. "The only issue is we want to make sure the weather doesn't have one of those stop-and-start nights. Looks pretty good, if you consider 20 percent good.

"The challenge you've got is if you, say, you lose (Dylan) Bundy after two innings and have a couple-hour rain delay."

Showalter wants to rest Brad Brach for the next few nights rather than attempt to get him right back on the horse after last night's blown save and 7-6 loss.

"It's a hard job," Showalter said. "I'm more concerned about keeping him healthy than I am about seeing how fast I can get him back out there. I'd love to give him a couple days now if I could.

"Let's be frank, we're trying to get to that (Monday) off-day, and if we can't and keep our people healthy, we'll make an adjustment."

Bowie outfielder Cedric Mullins, on the disabled list with a strained left hamstring, has started light baseball activities down in Sarasota.

For the Nationals
Trea Turner SS
Jayson Werth LF
Bryce Harper RF
Ryan Zimmerman 1B
Daniel Murphy 2B
Anthony Rendon 3B
Matt Wieters C
Michael A. Taylor CF
A.J. Cole RHP