Workout day provides updates on rotation, Davis, Hardy and more

Orioles manager Buck Showalter confirmed his rotation today for the next five games, including the previously unidentified starter for Sunday.

Kevin Gausman, Wade Miley and Ubaldo Jiménez will work the three-game series against the Cubs that begins Friday night at Camden Yards. Chris Tillman and Dylan Bundy will face the Rangers on Monday and Tuesday, respectively, as the homestand continues.

Bundy was shoved to the back of the rotation to provide more rest and the Orioles will try to find other ways to do it through the summer.

"I know what I'd like to do the rest of the way and it's something we planned since spring training," Showalter said. "We'll start this way and he'll pitch every fifth day for a while, but when the off days come up, you may see a little change in it. We'll see how he feels."

Tillman and closer Zach Britton threw Tuesday at Camden Yards. Tillman could have two side sessions before pitching Monday because he hasn't been in a game since June 30 due to the birth of his first child.

Showalter didn't have the Cubs' full rotation available, but it was revealed later that they're starting Mike Montgomery, Jake Arrieta and José Quintana.

"Maybe we'll get the Cubs here at some point when they get through trading," he said.

Showalter was referencing today's deal that sent Quintana from the White Sox to the Cubs for four minor leaguers, including top prospects Eloy Jiménez and Dylan Cease.

"That was a good trade," Showalter said. "They gave up some good people, the way it looks like. I really like Quintana. I really like him. It's a good addition, especially going to the National League where they're not as familiar with him."

Infielder Ryan Flaherty attended today's workout at Camden Yards, finally escaping the Ed Smith Stadium complex in Sarasota where he's been rehabbing his right shoulder. Team orthopedist Dr. Michael Jacobs examined Flaherty, who was expected to take ground balls and do some throwing this afternoon.

Second baseman Jonathan Schoop was excused from the workout after playing in Tuesday's All-Star Game. He'll get a little more family time and rejoin the team on Friday.

"Jon did well in the All-Star Game," Showalter said. "Two or three people I heard were really talking about him. Jon really presented himself well."

Pitchers Mike Wright and Stefan Crichton are continuing their throwing programs in Sarasota with no setbacks.

Nothing has changed regarding first baseman Chris Davis, who will come off the disabled list on Friday. A corresponding roster move will be announced that day.

"I haven't sat down and talked to Buck at length, but hopefully be ready to roll tomorrow," he said.

Davis went 1-for-8 with a double, walk and run scored in two injury rehab games at Single-A Frederick and Delmarva.

"It was big for me to get in game action and feel what it was going to be like to move around, do stuff at game speed, twist and turn and do all the stuff that I'm going to have to do," Davis said. "I was happy with the way I felt and I'm ready to roll. Hopefully, be activated tomorrow or today or whenever."

Davis is glad to be back immediately after the break instead of having to wait.

"I think there's definitely a little bit of an advantage coming back when you've had a break and everybody's had time to recharge and kind of start over again," he said.

Showalter said the club missed Davis' presence more than anything, though his defense at first base also is valued.

"Trey (Mancini) did a good job over there and he's capable of it, but I know it's been tough time for Chris," Showalter said. "Like he was telling me the other day, it's like your buddy's in a fight and you can't help him. That's what bothered him, having to watch games, but he's got a lot of stuff behind him now. We were very cautious about it and hopefully he'll get repaid for his patience."

The Orioles had a staff meeting today and the order was one of the topics, including where to slot Davis, who figures to remain somewhere in the middle of the pack.

"If it's a big deal to your players, you better make it a big deal to you, but we've got a lot of people capable of hitting in different places," Showalter said. "You look at some of it purely statistically. 'OK, here's our best two hitters the first half, and here's the guys with track records of hitting really well.' Manny (Machado) is coming off two or three really good games. I'll take it as it comes.

"I've got a couple ideas that I've already talked to a couple guys with before the break, making sure I had a feel about how they felt about it and not just spring it on them if we do something differently. And just like I thought, most of our guys, they don't really care that much. At least to me publicly."

Shortstop J.J. Hardy saw a hand specialist yesterday after fracturing his right wrist on June 18. The news was about as good as could be expected.

"He basically said everything is progressing as normal," Hardy said. "It was 3 ½ weeks yesterday and he thinks by six weeks ... As of yesterday I'm going to start moving it around and that stuff and then probably six weeks or a little before that I can start strengthening it and then obviously when strong enough start to do baseball activities."

Hardy indicated that he's prefer staying with the team instead of going down to Sarasota.

"I'd rather take ground balls on big league fields," he said. "Nothing against Sarasota's fields or anywhere else, but I feel like I can get more out of it if I'm taking ground balls on big league fields. But we'll see what they want to do.

"The next two weeks, we're home for a week and on the road for a week. I'll still just be moving it around. I probably won't be doing strengthening stuff yet, so we'll see."

Hardy has been told that six weeks is about the normal time for the bone to heal.

"As long as I'm not feeling anything in there, then I can start strengthening it," he said. "But if I start strengthening it too soon, it's just not going to get better and stay sore. So, we've got to make sure.

"The way they're saying it, these next couple of weeks are going to be kind of slow, but once we get over that hump, then it will move fast."

Hardy said it's hard to put an exact date on when he can return to the lineup. He'll obviously need to go on a rehab assignment after being cleared for baseball activities.

"The two to three weeks of moving it is going to be the slowest," he said. "Once it doesn't hurt anymore, then I can strengthen it as quick as possible. And once it's strong enough to start doing baseball stuff, then it's a matter of that. I have no idea exactly when, but it's good to know that it's getting better."

Short-season Single-A Aberdeen pitching coach Mark Hendrickson attended the workout.

"Get some of his input," Showalter said. "He's helping out with a couple things here that he's good at."