The Orioles optioned infielder Ryan Flaherty to Triple-A Norfolk following Saturday’s 10-6 loss and will announce a corresponding roster move prior to Sunday’s game.

The move is the Orioles third transaction of the day, and it’s more likely that they will add another position player given that manager Buck Showalter said following the game he felt the team’s bullpen –which has pitched 29 2/3 innings in the last seven games– was in good shape.

Flaherty has struggled offensively since the season began and while the team likes his defense, he was replaced by Yamaico Navarro at second base the past two games. Flaherty, a Rule 5 Draft pick last year, hit .133 in 30 games, with two homers and 26 strikeouts in 90 at-bats. He opened the year 0-for-17.

If the Orioles do opt to add another position player, they could go with an outfielder given Saturday’s decision to put Nolan Reimold on the disabled list, or promote someone from Triple-A Norfolk who is versatile enough to play multiple spots. With Rays lefty Matt Moore on the mound tomorrow, a right-handed bat would make sense and Danny Valencia seems to be the most logical candidate.

***

Reimold didn’t get to speak to the media pregame about his injury, so here’s what he had to say after the Orioles loss about going on the DL…
“It’s obviously disapointing. I thought I’d be playing better, too. But it’s probably for the best in the long run, the big picture, to get it taken care of and come back and feel fresh and get another crack at it.”

[on how the injury bothered him] “There were times when, just walking it would tug. Going up stairs, I could feel it tugging pretty good. Then other times, it wasn’t too bad. Playing, it would aggravate and tighten back up and be a real nuisance, I guess. And there were times I’d be on base and that’s why I was getting pinch-ran for at the end of the game. I don’t consider myself a slow person, but if you’ve got to make that first to third or first to home, you have to be able to run and change direction. But I always went as hard as I could, to be honest. I always ran as hard as I could, but I had limitations.”

[on if he thinks he will be able to return right when eligible]: “I had those days off where I hadn’t played, and then when I did play, I wasn’t exactly on base to aggravate it anymore. It doesn’t feel too bad right now, so I’m hoping it will resolve quickly and I’ll get back quick.”

The Orioles made a pair of roster moves today, recalling right-handed pitcher Jake Arrieta and placing outfielder Nolan Reimold on the disabled list with a right hamstring strain. They also optioned reliever Alex Burnett to Triple-A Norfolk and added starter Jair Jurrjens to the 40-man roster, moving Brian Roberts to the 60-day DL to make a 40-man spot.

Arrieta will work out of the bullpen, at least for now, and he could be a starting option on Monday or Tuesday. The Orioles have not decided on a starter for Monday yet, although that would be Freddy Garcia’s day. Miguel Gonzalez is still tentatively slated to come off the DL and start Tuesday.

With Reimold’s injury, it’s something that has slowed him since this spring and it isn’t getting better. He will remain with the Orioles at least through the homestand with his DL stay backdated to Sunday. Arrieta, who was dealing with some right shoulder tenderness, said he’s feeling much better and he was slated to start for Triple-A Norfolk today had he not been promoted. Arrieta last threw a pair of side sessions on Wednesday and Thursday and said he’s worked hard to take the emotion out of pitching.
RAYS LINEUP
Desmond Jennings CF
Matt Joyce RF
Ben Zobrist 2B
Evan Longoria 3B
James Loney 1B
Luke Scott DH
Kelly Johnson LF
Jose Molina C
Yunel Escobar SS

Roberto Hernandez RHP

ORIOLES LINEUP
Nate McLouth LF
Manny Machado 3B
Nick Markakis RF
Adam Jones CF
Chris Davis 1B
Matt Wieters C
J.J. Hardy SS
Chris Dickerson DH
Yamaico Navarro 2B

Jair Jurrjens RHP

Greetings from Camden Yards where the Orioles will take on the Tampa Bay Rays for the first of a three-game series…

*Miguel Gonzalez threw a simulated game today without any protective wrap on his right thumb, which has a blister, and he threw three innings to several Oriole hitters including Chris Dickerson, Alexi Casilla and Chris Snyder. Gonzalez said physically everything felt OK and he is on track to make Tuesday’s start against the Yankees.

*As expected, Jair Jurrjens is here and he will be added to the roster and start Saturday afternoon’s game on FOX.  Jurrjens has been pitching well at Triple-A Norfolk and will get a chance to stick in the rotation in Wei-Yin Chen’s absence.

With Ryan Flaherty’s struggles at the, Yamaico Navarro is getting the start tonight at second base with Chris Dickerson playing over Nolan Reimold in left field.

*The Orioles, in partnership with Majestic, have announced a special opportunity for fans to play catch on the field for the first time on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 16, prior to their game against the Boston Red Sox. Fans may purchase one of two ticket packages that include a pair of tickets for the 1:35 p.m. game and a 25-minute pre-game session of catch on the Oriole Park field. A portion of the proceeds will benefit OriolesREACH and the Baltimore Orioles Charitable Foundation.

The Father’s Day Catch on the Field Package is available for $150 and includes two Left Field Lower Box tickets (sections 66-86), the unique opportunity to play catch on the field for two participants ($75 for each additional participant), two soft baseballs and a donation to the Orioles Charitable Foundation. The upgraded Catch on the Field Package is available for $198 ($99 for each additional participant) and includes Lower Box tickets in sections 6-14 or 60-64. Additional online fees apply.

Registration on June 16 will take place from 11:00-11:45 a.m. at Schaefer Circle, outside of Home Plate Plaza, located on the southwest corner of the ballpark between Gates D & E. In the event of inclement weather, a makeup date will be determined. Fans are advised that availability is limited and this event will sell out. To purchase a Father’s Day Catch on the Field Package, fans should visit http://www.orioles.com.

Upon completing a purchase transaction, an information packet will be mailed and will include tickets, important information and a waiver of liability which must be completed by each participant.

*The Orioles announced a new “Birdland Summer 6-Pack” ticket offer on Friday afternoon, with fans able to select tickets to six home games, including two prime games, all at the non-prime game price.

“We have designed this offer to reward Orioles fans willing to make a commitment to attend as few as six games this season with discounted tickets to the most in-demand games on our schedule,” Orioles Vice President of Communications and Marketing Greg Bader said in a press release.  “This program represents the perfect opportunity for Orioles fans to help paint the park orange and make their presence known when we take on our division rivals from New York and Boston.”

For as little as $54, fans can choose from 20 prime games and 41 non-prime games with the potential savings up to $70 per package.
ORIOLES LINEUP
Nate McLouth DH
Manny Machado 3B
Nick Markakis Rf
Adam Jones CF
Chris Davis 1B
Matt Wieters C
J.J. Hardy SS
Chris Dickerson LF
Yamaico Navarro 2B

Jason Hammel RHP

RAYS LINEUP
Desmond Jennings CF
Matt Joyce RF
Ben Zobrist 2B
Evan Longoria 3B
James Loney 1B
Luke Scott DH
Kelly Johnson LF
Jose Lobaton C
Yunel Escobar SS

Jeremy Hellickson RHP

*Miguel Gonzalez (blister) threw a 35-pitch side session this morning and physically everything went well. His stuff was OK, according to pitching coach Rick Adair, and Gonzalez threw five or six pitches without the bandage on his right thumb. The team was scheduled to meet about the next step for Gonzalez, who could make a short rehab start later this week or pitch in some kind of simulated game on Friday.

The Orioles are still hoping he can start Monday or Tuesday, the later date being the first day they need a fifth starter.

*Nolan Reimold is not in the lineup again, but it’s not an injury issue. Steve Pearce has been swinging the bat well lately and manager Buck Showalter opted to go with Pearce again.

ORIOLES LINEUP

Nate McLouth LF
Manny Machado 3B
Nick Markakis RF
Adam Jones CF
Chris Davis 1B
Matt Wieters C
J.J. Hardy SS
Ryan Flaherty 2B
Steve Pearce DH

Freddy Garcia RHP

PADRES LINEUP

Everth Cabrera SS
Will Venable RF
Chase Headley 3B
Carlos Quentin DH
Yonder Alonso 1B
Jedd Gyorko 2B
Kyle Blanks LF
Alexi Amarista CF
John Baker C

Jason Marquis RHP

Orioles top pitching prospect Kevin Gausman is not being considered for any kind of promotion with executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette confirming Tuesday afternoon that the 22-year-old right-hander is not in the Orioles’ immediate plans.

“Gausman is doing fine,” Duquette said of Gausman who has a 3.35 ERA in seven start for Double-A. “I’m going to tell you he’s not a candidate for us recall him. He’s doing fine at Double-A and he’s getting used to professional baseball.”

The Orioles have just three starters on their active roster right now with injuries to Wei-Yin Chen (right oblique strain) and Miguel Gonzalez (blister) causing a roster shuffle and furthering concern over an already-inconsistent starting staff.  But the team remains hopeful Gonzalez will miss just one turn and the expectation remains that Jair Jurrjens will be added to the roster to make Saturday’s start.

Gausman –who is expected to be in Baltimore before the year is over– is scheduled to pitch for Double-A Bowie on Thursday and he doesn’t necessarily have to pitch at Triple-A before coming to the  big leagues.

“What did we do with Manny Machado  last year, where did he go?,” Duquette said. “Double-A is the real proving ground, if they do well there. I like to see players do well at Double-A and get a foundation so that when they do come to the big leagues they can succeed. So the proving ground is Double-A.

He’s doing fine where he is. He’s doing fine, he’s getting his feet on the ground and learning about the routine of pro baseball.”

Gausman has allowed 20 runs (15 earned) on 40 hits over 40 1/3 innings, striking out 39 and walking just four.

*As expected, Wei-Yin Chen is on the disabled list and the Orioles have recalled reliever Alex Burnett to take his roster spot. Yamaico Navarro is here as bench depth in place of Mike Belfiore, who was optioned yesterday.  Chen will head down to Sarasota, Fla. to start his rehab on May 21.

*Without Chen, the Orioles will need a starter on Saturday and it’s expected to be Jair Jurrjens, who would have pitched on Saturday for Triple-A Norfolk. Norfolk’s game notes have TBA for that date.

*Orioles lefty Miguel Gonzalez will throw a side session on Wednesday and the team is still optimistic that the right-hander will be eligible to come off the disabled list and make a start early next week.

Gonzalez played catch during Tuesday’s batting practice with a protective splint on the blister on his right thumb and he responded well. The main issue has been throwing his breaking ball, which he did on Tuesday and, assuming he gets through Wednesday OK, Gonzalez would make a rehab start at the end of the week.

“It could be 2-5 [innings], somewhere just to…we don’t want to push it too much,” manager Buck Showalter said. “You see the date, but until that gets all the way healed, last thing we are going to do is have it come back too quick and all of a sudden he’s back to square one with the problem. And I’ve told you before it’s because it’s a different type of blister. It’s down to the rawness. Take your skin, cut it off and then try to pitch with it.”

The Orioles –who have a pair of off days this week– need a fifth starter again on Tuesday against the Yankees and that would be the target date for Gonzalez, although Showalter also mentioned Monday as a possibility.

*Jake Arrieta, who has been sidelined at Triple-A with a right shoulder strain, threw a 30-pitch bullpen session today with no shoulder discomfort. Arrieta was scratched from Sunday’s start at Norfolk because of some shoulder tenderness.

*Brian Roberts (hamstring) has moved to the stationary bike down in Sarasota, Fla.

ORIOLES LINEUP

Nate McLouth LF
Manny Machado 3B
Nick Markakis RF
Adam JOnes CF
Chris Davis 1B
Matt Wieters C
J.J. Hardy SS
Ryan Flaherty 2B
Steve PEarce DH

Chris Tillman RHP

PADRES LINEUP

Everth Cabrera SS
Will Venable RF
Chase Headley 3B
Carlos Quentin LF
Yonder Alonso 1B
Mark Kotsay DH
Jedd Gyorko 2B
Chris Denorfia CF
Nick Hundley C

Andrew Cashner RHP

BALTIMORE — When the Orioles were in Anaheim earlier this month, Angels phenom Mike Trout approached Baltimore’s own wonder kid, Manny Machado, to get acquainted.

“Hey,” Trout said to the third baseman, to whom he’d only briefly been introduced previously, “you stole my line drive.”

“Hey,” Machado said with a grin as he reminded the fleet-footed 21-year-old outfielder, “you do the same for all of us.”

Health permitting, that exchange is one that will become commonplace.

Baseball’s well-documented youth movement has anointed Trout — who in 2012 became the first player in history to hit 30 homers, steal 45 bases and score 125 runs in one season — as one of the sport’s favorite sons alongside 20-year-old Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper.

But what of Machado, 20, who through his first 89 career games has stats that rival those of both Trout and Harper? Should the smooth defender, who is hitting .331 with five homers and 24 RBIs, be mentioned in tandem with that vaunted duo?

“Trout and Harper are better runners and had video-game numbers [in the Minor Leagues],” said a National League scout. “But can you say for sure you’d rather have them than Machado in the next five, 10 years? It’s so early in their careers. It’s really personal preference. It’s like picking an ice cream flavor.”

This much can be agreed upon: Machado — taken third in the 2010 First-Year Player Draft, behind Harper and Pirates pitcher Jameson Taillon — has had far less hype.

Click here for the rest of the story on Machado’s rise.

The Orioles are expected to place starter Wei-Yin Chen on the 15-day disabled list prior to Tuesday’s series opener against the San Diego Padres.

Chen, who was reevaluated on Monday’s off day, was diagnosed with a right oblique strain and the team will know the MRI results later on Monday night with executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette confirming that a DL trip is likely.

“He looks like a DL candidate,” said Duquette who acknowledged that those injuries typically take “a couple weeks” before the player is eligible to return.

Losing Chen for any length of time is a serious problem for an already inconsistent Orioles rotation. The 27-year-old entered Sunday’s game –which he exited after five innings due to the injury– 2-3 with a 3.40 ERA. Chen was the team’s most reliable starter last year, the only pitcher to start at least 20 games, and had turned in five quality starts in his first seven games in 2013.

Duquette, who has stockpiled starting pitching since coming to Baltimore, said he felt confident with the organization’s internal options and the club should have room to add two players prior to Tuesday’s game with lefty reliever Mike Belfiore being optioned back to Triple-A Norfolk. The Orioles have two off days this week –they are also off Thursday—and remain optimistic that Miguel Gonzalez (blister) will only miss one start. In Chen’s place, the Orioles have their pick at Triple-A with right-hander Steve Johnson also an option because it’s an injury situation so he wouldn’t have to stay in the Minors for the minimum 10-day period.

Jair Jurrjens and Zach Britton could also take Chen’s spot, with right-hander Jake Arrieta more of a long shot given that he’s dealing with some right shoulder tenderness and missed Sunday’s scheduled Triple-A start.

Duquette also confirmed that the club will likely use the full 30 days allotted for the rehab assignment of lefty Tsuyoshi Wada, who will make his first Minor League rehab start for Norfolk on Thursday. Wada is about a year removed from Tommy John surgery on his left elbow and had gotten up to seven innings in extended spring starts. His pitch count will stay around there as the organization works him back in slowly.

Orioles starter Wei-Yin Chen exited Sunday’s series finale against the Twins with a right oblique strain after tossing five scoreless innings.

Chen– who never had a clean inning– needed just 73 pitches and looked poised to go the distance for Baltimore, but television cameras showed him grabbing his right side as he walked off the mound following Eduardo Escobar’s groundout.

Oblique strains typically mean a trip to the disabled list and losing Chen for any length of time would be a major blow to an already inconsistent Orioles rotation. Chen, who entered the game 2-3 with a 3.40 ERA was the team’s most reliable starter last year –the only pitcher to start at least 20 games– and had turned in five quality starts in his first seven games in 2013.

The 27-year-old Chen held Minnesota to five hits and struck out three before he was replaced by right-hander Tommy Hunter. The injury-shortened outing gave the Orioles –who added reliever Mike Belfiore before the game to help the bullpen– their third consecutive start of fewer than six innings.

Greetings from Target Field, where the Orioles will take on the Twins for a Mother’s Day series finale.

*Mike Belfiore was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk and the left-hander will be available to add some length to an overworked bullpen. Belfiore takes the roster spot vacated by Steve Johnson, who was optioned to Triple-A after a four-inning start last night and he will be making his Major League debut if/when he gets into a game.

Belfiore was acquired as the player to be named later in the Josh Bell trade with Arizona and he was added to the 40-man roster over the winter.

*Chris Tillman will start Tuesday’s game with Wednesday’s starter either Freddy Garcia or Jason Hammel. Garcia, who was held out of his side session today, is available if needed in relief.

*Miguel Gonzalez was going to try to throw today, but there’s still some healing needed in regards to the blister on his right thumb. Gonzalez will try to throw a side on Tuesday and could go on a rehab start on Thursday or Friday. Tsuyoshi Wada’s rehab start hasn’t been determined just yet, but the team is leaning toward Thursday.

*Taylor Teagarden will see Dr. Brian Schofield on Thursday in Sarasota.

*Wilson Betemit is still doing pool work down at the team’s rehab facility and he will definitely not make the May 30 date, which is the first day he could be eligible off the 60-day disabled list.

*Triple-A Norfolk will pitch a game out of the bullpen today to get the relievers some work, according to manager Buck Showalter.  Jake Arrieta was originally slated to start.
ORIOLES LINEUP
Nick Markakis RF
Manny Machado 3B
Adam Jones CF
Chris Davis 1B
Matt Wieters DH
Steve Pearce LF
J.J. Hardy SS
Alexi Casilla 2B
Chris Snyder C

Wei-Yin Chen LHP

TWINS LINEUP
Brian Dozier 2B
Joe Mauer DH
Josh Willingham LF
Justin Morneau 1B
Ryan Doumit C
Trevor Plouffe 3B
Chris Parmelee RF
Wilkin Ramirez CF
Eduardo Escobar SS

Scott Diamond LHP