Valencia making Orioles opening day roster

SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles manager Buck Showalter would like to have his opening day roster set in his mind, if not officially on paper, before the team breaks camp and flies to Norfolk for Monday afternoon's game against its Triple-A affiliate, but there might be some late activity that pushes the final decisions deeper into next week.

The 40-man roster is full and space likely will be needed to accommodate a handful of non-roster invitees, including infielder Danny Valencia, who's staying with the Orioles rather than re-entering free agency.

Valencia hinted at it on Twitter and a source confirmed that the veteran made the club.

Outfielder Colby Rasmus seems to be a lock, and other possibilities include outfielders Craig Gentry and Alex Presley, designated hitter Pedro Álvarez and relievers Josh Edgin and Joely Rodriguez.

Valencia signed a minor league deal on March 3 with the understanding that he wouldn't accept an assignment to Triple-A Norfolk. He's batting .257/.325/.514 (9-for-35) with three doubles, two home runs and seven RBIs in 14 games.

Players with opt-out clauses can exercise them today, leaving the Orioles to provide more clarity to the roster.

A career .313/.370/.493 hitter against left-handed pitching, Valencia can be used as part of a platoon at designated hitter while Mark Trumbo is on the disabled list. He also can work in utility role, though Tim Beckham or Jonathan Schoop will need to back up at shortstop.

Valencia's inclusion on the opening day roster could impact whether the Orioles seek a reunion with Ryan Flaherty, who was released by the Phillies earlier this week. If Anthony Santander is given a shot at regular DH duty, for example, the bench could hold Valencia, Flaherty, Gentry and backup catcher Chance Sisco.

Otherwise, the Orioles could put Álvarez or Presley on the roster.

Valencia appeared in 52 games with the Orioles in 2013 and batted .304/.335/.553.

Meanwhile, Rule 5 left-hander Nestor Cortes Jr. will start Sunday against the Phillies in Clearwater, the final Grapefruit League game of the spring.