masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgKevin Gausman makes his third start of the 2015 season tonight as the Orioles continue their series in Minnesota.
Is it also Gausman’s last start before being optioned again to the minors?
The Orioles need to create a roster spot Thursday for outfielder Nolan Reimold, who comes off the paternity list. As I’ve written, they could option a starting pitcher as the All-Star break approaches and bring him back in 10 days.
It’s a common move for the Orioles to send out a starter during that week…

Kevin Gausman makes his third start of the 2015 season tonight as the Orioles continue their series in Minnesota.

Is it also Gausman’s last start before being optioned again to the minors?

The Orioles need to create a roster spot Thursday for outfielder Nolan Reimold, who comes off the paternity list. As I’ve written, they could option a starting pitcher as the All-Star break approaches and bring him back in 10 days.

It’s a common move for the Orioles to send out a starter during that week and allow him to get some work instead of being idle. With the club being off Thursday, Gausman’s next turn would fall on Monday at the start of the break.

gausman-pitching-gray-glasses.jpgUnless he’s throwing in the Home Run Derby, he’s not going to be facing major league hitters that night.

Gausman would remain in a routine that the Orioles hope he maintains throughout the rest of the season. Sending him down wouldn’t be a disruption other than changing jerseys again. And as I keep reminding fans, he’s already used up his one option for the season.

If Gausman is the chosen one, it would make sense to option him following tonight’s game and bring up a reliever for Wednesday afternoon’s finale. Reimold could replace the reliever the following day while Gausman’s 10-day clock continues to wind down. And it never hurts to have an extra bullpen arm at the ready.

Or am I overthinking the whole thing?

Gausman shut out the Rangers on four hits over 6 1/3 innings, with two walks and seven strikeouts, in his most recent start. The Orioles also failed to score, losing 2-0 at Camden Yards.

Gausman has faced the Twins once in his brief career, allowing four earned runs (five total) and five hits in 7 1/3 innings on Sept. 1, 2014 at Camden Yards. He walked two and struck out seven.

The current Twins are 10-for-28 against Gausman. Torii Hunter is 3-for-4 with a walk and Joe Mauer is 2-for-3 with a triple.

Twins right-hander Kyle Gibson shut out the Royals on four hits over eight innings in his last start. He’s made one start against the Orioles, allowing one run and four hits in five innings on Aug. 30, 2014 in Baltimore.

The current Orioles have limited exposure to Gibson, going 3-for-9. J.J. Hardy, Jimmy Paredes and Jonathan Schoop are 1-for-2. Paredes has a double and RBI.

Gibson is 3-3 with a 2.92 ERA in eight home starts this season and 3-3 with a 3.16 ERA in eight road starts.

As for the All-Star selections, I couldn’t be happier for reliever Darren O’Day, given what he’s overcome to achieve this honor. Walked onto the University of Florida baseball team, signed with the Angels as an undrafted free agent, claimed by the Mets in the Rule 5 draft, waived by two organizations, tore the labrum in his right shoulder, signed by the Orioles between the Andy MacPhail and Dan Duquette regimes.

O’Day is the undisputed leader of the bullpen, again ranked among the best in the majors. He’s also one of the brightest guys I’ve covered on the beat and most certainly among the funniest, constantly poking fun at his own submarine delivery. He’s also terribly underrated, or at least he was before last night.

Good for him. Good for baseball.