The complications in finding a Wednesday starter

MINNEAPOLIS - The Orioles still don't have a starter named for Wednesday afternoon's game against the Twins at Target Field.

Vance Worley figures to get the ball if he isn't used in relief tonight or Tuesday. He hasn't been told that he's starting and manager Buck Showalter can't make the commitment without knowing how far he'll dig into his bullpen during the first two games of the series.

Worley went 1-5 with a 7.21 ERA and 1.993 WHIP in 10 starts with the Twins spanning 48 2/3 innings in 2013. He's 1-3 with a 6.56 ERA and 2.014 WHIP in five starts over 23 1/3 innings at Target Field.

There are no obvious candidates in the minors. Left-hander Ariel Miranda is starting tonight at Triple-A Norfolk and T.J. McFarland and Odrisamer Despaigne are scheduled to start in Tuesday's doubleheader. Nick Additon is listed as Wednesday's starter.

McFarland must stay down a minimum of 10 days unless replacing an injured player. However, a rainout on Tuesday would necessitate a doubleheader the following day and McFarland could return as the 26th man.

Despaigne probably is the favorite if the Orioles decide to dip into Norfolk's rotation. Double-A Bowie left-hander Chris Lee may have been a consideration, but he pitched on Saturday.

A minor league pitcher would need to get on a flight as soon as possible to avoid traveling the night before a 12:10 p.m. game local time.

Despaigne is 0-4 with a 5.10 ERA in six starts over 30 innings. Additon is 1-2 with a 2.86 ERA in six starts over 34 2/3 innings. He isn't on the 40-man roster.

Showalter won't use Ubaldo Jimenez and Mike Wright on short rest. He could decide on a "bullpen game" Wednesday, but it again depends on how many relievers are needed earlier in the series. There also are concerns about using up the 'pen before a four-game series against the Tigers at Camden Yards.

"You could have a bullpen game today," Showalter said. "If somebody has a problem and with the rain in the area, you could start and stop and lose somebody. It's pretty tricky."

An off day on Thursday would have come in handy, but the next scheduled break doesn't arrive until May 16.

Jimenez has never started on short rest and he threw 104 pitches on Saturday.

"He had a pretty extended outing the last time out," Showalter said. "Just not smart, early May."

Wandy Rodriguez, who's throwing at extended spring training, apparently isn't ready.

There's also the complication associated with making room for a pitcher on the 25-man roster if he's coming up from Norfolk. Showalter would rather not go back to three-man bench.

Ryan Flaherty can be optioned, but he's starting at third base.