Viola, Ballard optioned to Bowie (updated with MacPhail quotes)

The Orioles optioned left-handers Pedro Viola and Mike Ballard to Double-A Bowie after today's 4-2 loss to the Yankees. Thanks for stopping by. Freddy Garcia won his 10th game today for the Yankees. His ERA is 3.22. Jake Arrieta failed to win his 11th game today. His ERA is 5.05. MASN's Gary Thorne couldn't get a rotation commitment out of manager Buck Showalter during O's Xtra. Showalter and president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail will talk during tomorrow's off-day and formulate a pitching plan. Showalter said they need to get their "arms around (Tommy) Hunter," and he doesn't mean a group hug. They need to figure out whether he's ready to be a starter again or if he needs more time in the bullpen. Showalter also is waiting on Brad Bergesen, who left the team for the birth of his son. For now, I guess it's safe to pencil in Alfredo Simon for Tuesday. We'll see how the rest unfolds. As Showalter said, using one of his favorite expressions, "It's a moving target." "I've got a pretty good idea," Showalter said. MacPhail, calling into O's Xtra, said it was a "quiet day today" as the non-waiver trade deadline passed. "Most of our activity took place up to late last night, but by the time this morning rolled around, things were pretty quiet," he said. MacPhail added that several clubs were "very much interested" in Koji Uehara before the right-hander was dealt to the Rangers. "It was interesting," MacPhail said. "I think that different clubs valued him in different ways. Clearly, Texas was the most motivated buyer." First baseman Chris Davis, obtained from the Rangers along with pitcher Tommy Hunter, went 0-for-4 in his Orioles debut. Hunter will join the Orioles in Kansas City and be added to the 25-man roster on Tuesday. Bergesen likely will return to the roster, as well. They'll take the spots occupied today by Viola and Ballard. Update: MacPhail said he received plenty of interest in Jeremy Guthrie, but couldn't get the necessary pitching in return. MacPhail also said he was prepared to keep Derrek Lee until the Orioles landed Davis, which required another trade to clear room at first base. They want to give Davis every opportunity to succeed, and that means regular starts. MacPhail received calls from some clubs looking to acquire Davis and Hunter immediately after the Orioles completed the trade, but he wasn't going to flip those two players. "That was gratifying, to immediately have positive feedback from other clubs wanting those same players," MacPhail said in a conference call. Adam Jones drew interest from various clubs, and the Orioles would have gotten an impressive haul for him, but MacPhail said he "didn't see the wisdom of exploring" a trade. They're not ready to part with Jones at this stage of his career.