masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgSARASOTA, Fla. – Manager Buck Showalter knew it was a slow news day for the reporters in camp, but he wouldn’t throw us a bone and confirm his opening day starter.

Is it still being decided?

“In my mind, no, but there are some variables that may play into it and are still developing,” he replied.

“There are some things that Dan (Duquette) and I talk about every day that could change the way we look at it.”

Could one variable be a starter acquired from outside the…SARASOTA, Fla. – Manager Buck Showalter knew it was a slow news day for the reporters in camp, but he wouldn’t throw us a bone and confirm his opening day starter.

Is it still being decided?

“In my mind, no, but there are some variables that may play into it and are still developing,” he replied.

“There are some things that Dan (Duquette) and I talk about every day that could change the way we look at it.”

Could one variable be a starter acquired from outside the organization?

“That’s always a variable,” Showalter replied. “You’re talking about a No. 1 starter, as you all put it? I think the chances of that happening aren’t real good. I don’t think we’re going to part with Dylan (Bundy) right now.”

Once again, I’ll state that Jake Arrieta is expected to get the call. Showalter just isn’t ready to tell us.

Showalter said he knows “tentatively” who will start for the Orioles in Wednesday’s exhibition game in Norfolk, “but that would be tipping my hand with some other stuff, so I’ll hold off on that, see how things go today.”

Left-hander Brian Matusz is starting today and would be working on normal rest Wednesday. Make your own assumptions.

I wrote a few days ago that reliever Matt Lindstrom developed a cramp in the back of his leg while running before a game. It didn’t seem like much at the time and it’s still not regarded as serious, according to Showalter, but his next outing will come in a minor league game. It’s still worth monitoring.

“It looks like that’s going to be OK,” Showalter said.