masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgOrioles manager Buck Showalter said Matt Wieters just needs to get past “a little knot” in his right hamstring. Wieters remains out of the lineup, but he could be ready for Monday night’s series finale against the Athletics.
The Orioles will consider a move to the disabled list if Wieters can’t play.
“He was a little, I wouldn’t say sore, but just from all the treatment he got,” Showalter said. “They were trying to get that last little knot out of there. I’m hoping he’s an option for…

Orioles manager Buck Showalter said Matt Wieters just needs to get past “a little knot” in his right hamstring. Wieters remains out of the lineup, but he could be ready for Monday night’s series finale against the Athletics.

The Orioles will consider a move to the disabled list if Wieters can’t play.

“He was a little, I wouldn’t say sore, but just from all the treatment he got,” Showalter said. “They were trying to get that last little knot out of there. I’m hoping he’s an option for us today and more so with the long turnaround tomorrow.”

Steve Pearce is being rested for a few days after experiencing some tightness in his oblique. The plan to have him start an injury rehab assignment early this week likely will be scrapped.

Showalter isn’t ready to reveal specifics about his September call-ups, but he’s been talking to Triple-A Norfolk manager Ron Johnson.

Showalter said he won’t let Norfolk’s playoff push influence which players are brought up.

“I really like Ron Johnson,” he said, “but no.”

johnson-s-rear-sidebar.jpgSteve Johnson is 4-1 with a 2.64 ERA in 28 games at Norfolk. He’s struck out 59 batters in 47 2/3 innings.

“He’s doing well,” Showalter said. “I was talking to Ron about him.”

Johnson was pitching in relief following surgery on his right shoulder, but he’s made three starts while gradually increasing his pitch count.

“Some of it was necessity, but he was the most equipped to do it,” Showalter said. “I tell you, we’re excited about where he is. He’s averaging like 13 strikeouts per nine innings. R.J. and I were talking about him today, that he’s just about there.”

Johnson isn’t on the 40-man roster, but Showalter said the call-ups may include some non-roster players.

“We’ve got plenty of roster space. Plenty,” he said. “We’ll take whoever can help us.”

For the Athletics
Billy Burns CF
Coco Crisp LF
Danny Valencia 3B
Josh Phegley C
Brett Lawrie 2B
Billy Butler DH
Mark Canha 1B
Marcus Semien SS
Sam Fuld RF

Kendall Graveman RHP