A Schelling For Your Thoughts

Showalter outlines upcoming rotation

By Jordan Schelling / MLB.com

MINNEAPOLIS — Buck Showalter confirmed his club’s pitching rotation before Monday’s game at Target Field, but the O’s skipper said it could change based on the status of lefty Jo-Jo Reyes.

Right-hander Alfredo Simon is scheduled to start the second game of the series on Tuesday against the Twins, and Jeremy Guthrie is slated to start Wednesday.

Reyes is then expected to take the hill in the series finale Thursday afternoon, and Tommy Hunter will pitch Friday when the Orioles return home to host the Yankees.

“The only thing that may change there is if Reyes comes in tomorrow — that’s why I haven’t fully committed to it — and the [back] spasms come back up,” Showalter said. “But that’s what the plan is.”

Davis optioned to Triple-A Norfolk

MINNEAPOLIS — Following Monday’s 4-1 victory over the Twins, the Orioles announced they had optioned infielder Blake Davis to Triple-A Norfolk.

In 25 games (16 starts) for the Orioles over the last two months, Davis batted .254 with one home run, six RBIs and three doubles. Davis primarily played second base, but he also saw time at third and shortstop.

The Orioles will announce a corresponding roster move at a later time.

Recalled Adams ready to contribute

MINNEAPOLIS — When the Orioles sent Ryan Adams back down to Triple-A Norfolk two months ago, they wanted him to have a chance to play every day while continuing to work and develop as a player.

In particular, defense was an issue with Adams, who committed two errors in seven games at second base for the O’s.

“I just needed to get better at everything,” Adams said. “But they’ve been on me about defense, so I went down there and tried to really work on it.”

“He’s improved, he’s getting better,” Orioles manager Buck Showalter said. “If he swings the bat better, I think he’ll be more comfortable. I hope so.”

In his first stint with the Orioles, Adams went 5-for-23 with an RBI. In 93 games at Norfolk, Adams batted .283 with 10 home runs, 28 doubles and 37 RBIs.

The 24-year-old was recalled to take the place of struggling third baseman Josh Bell, who was optioned to Triple-A after hitting just .174 with 18 strikeouts in 17 games. Bell also struggled in the field, highlighted by a pair of costly plays in the 12th inning of Saturday’s 9-8 loss to the Angels.

With Adams moving into an everyday role at second base, Robert Andino will likely see the majority of time at third base for the Orioles. Andino made his third start at third base on Monday against the Twins.

“Robert likes seeing his name in that lineup, and I like writing it,” Showalter said. “I talked to him a little bit on the plane last night. He’s in a good spot offensively, and he just looks at it as an opportunity to bring another skill that he can bring, and continue to make himself valuable to our club and organization. I’m real proud of the year Robert has had.”

Berken to DL; Britton returns to action

MINNEAPOLIS — Right-hander Zach Britton was activated from the 15-day disabled list Monday, as he made his first start since Aug. 4 at Kansas City.

To make room for Britton on the roster, right-hander Jason Berken was placed on the DL with a right forearm strain.

Britton went on the DL on Aug. 5 with a right shoulder strain after a series of tough starts. Over his last six outings before being sidelined, Britton was 0-5 with a 10.57 ERA, allowing 27 earned runs on 45 hits in just 23 innings of work.

Up until that point, Britton had been 6-4 with a 3.10 ERA, and enjoying an impressive rookie season.

“He went through a period where it looked like it was going to come real easy to him,” Orioles manager Buck Showalter said. “I from experience knew there was going to be some bumps and challenges along the way. That which doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”

Showalter said he’s seen a lot of the best development for young pitchers come in the offseason, when they get a chance to step back and look at what they’ve been doing.

It’s at that point, Showalter said, that things really start to sink in and the pitchers realize they “can do it” and that mistakes really get magnified by the talent at the Major League level.

“Zach’s a guy that, I’m hoping he’ll finish strong and he’ll go in the offseason and realize the things that he has to do to be successful,” Showalter said. “Today’s another step for him.”

Jordan Schelling is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.