BALTIMORE — All season, the Baltimore Orioles have dealt with moving parts on their 25-man roster. Further challenges will arrive in the coming weeks as players get healthy.
Because of a roster crunch, manager Buck Showalter went with six relievers to begin this week’s series against the Rangers. Texas won the opener 8-1 Monday.
Second baseman Jonathan Schoop, on the disabled list since April 18 with a sprained right knee, appears ready to return to the lineup. Right-hander Kevin Gausman is being called up Thursday from Triple-A Norfolk to pitch in the series finale against Texas, so the Orioles will also have to make room for him, too.
“We’ve had some tough decisions,” Showalter said. “Some of them worked out, some didn’t. The bottom line is there is a system in place to protect the players from having certain teams without naming any to have the ability to horde players. It allows the players to have rights.”
The pressing concern is having enough relievers if the starters struggle. The Rangers have some strength in the middle of the lineup, and slugger Josh Hamilton is expected to return to the club from the DL on Tuesday. Texas designated hitter Prince Fielder is batting .348 with 12 home runs and 48 RBIs.
“It’s going to be a real challenge for four days with these guys and not need another bullpen piece,” Showalter said.
Gausman likely will be sent back down to Norfolk following his start so he can stay in his normal routine, especially with All-Star break just two weeks away. Right now, there is simply not a spot for him in the five-man rotation.
“I don’t see a current scenario where he would stay,” Showalter said about keeping Gausman after his start, “but a lot could change. He could help make that by pitching well. We’re going to keep the ball in his hands every fifth day the best we can. He needs to pitch.”
Schoop could return to a minor league affiliate to continue his rehab, which would lessen the stress of the Orioles’ roster. Schoop said he is ready to return to the big league club, but Showalter does not want to rush him back too quickly.
“I know that every day that passes, we feel better about Jon’s recovery,” Showalter said.
If the Orioles do decide to add another arm to the bullpen, left-hander T.J. McFarland likely will get the call. He was sent back to Triple-A Norfolk following a doubleheader Sunday against the Cleveland Indians.