With Bud Norris being activated to make his first start since May 10, the Orioles optioned infielder Rey Navarro to Triple-A Norfolk prior to Sunday’s game in Cleveland.
Since left-handed reliever Brian Matusz is in the midst of serving an eight-game suspension, the Orioles are playing a man short until next Sunday and will use a short bench as a result. Infielders J.J. Hardy and Ryan Flaherty are feeling better after recent health issues, so the Orioles could use Steve Pearce at second base with Flaherty backing up Hardy at shortstop.
The Orioles could shuffle their roster some more over the next week since left-handed pitcher T.J. McFarland possesses minor-league options in the bullpen.
Right-hander Kevin Gausman made the first start of his rehab assignment on Saturday, pitching four scoreless innings while allowing one hit, striking out four, and walking none. He threw 40 pitches, 32 of them strikes.
His next rehab start will come Thursday for Double-A Bowie where he’s expected to pitch four or five innings. Gausman could become an option for the Baltimore starting rotation at any point after that outing or he could continue to pitch in the minor leagues.
