masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgOrioles manager Buck Showalter revealed his rotation for the series against the Rays that begins Monday at Tropicana Field, and it includes Miguel Gonzalez and Kevin Gausman.

Wei-Yin Chen is set to pitch the opener, with Gonzalez and Gausman to follow. However, Gonzalez could be pushed back to Wednesday if he’s needed in the bullpen Sunday against the Blue Jays.

Today’s game will dictate whether the Orioles need to activate Gonzalez from the disabled list on Sunday. Otherwise, they can…Orioles manager Buck Showalter revealed his rotation for the series against the Rays that begins Monday at Tropicana Field, and it includes Miguel Gonzalez and Kevin Gausman.

Wei-Yin Chen is set to pitch the opener, with Gonzalez and Gausman to follow. However, Gonzalez could be pushed back to Wednesday if he’s needed in the bullpen Sunday against the Blue Jays.

Today’s game will dictate whether the Orioles need to activate Gonzalez from the disabled list on Sunday. Otherwise, they can delay the roster move.

Showalter doesn’t have immediate plans to skip anyone in the rotation, but he’ll make a decision following Thursday’s off-day.

“We’re not at that point yet,” Showalter said.

Gonzalez owns a 1.75 ERA in four career starts at Tropicana Field, which played into Showalter’s decision to activate him for the Rays series. Also, Showalter is lining up Gonzalez to face the White Sox next week at Camden Yards.

In his only career start against them, Gonzalez held Chicago to one run and four hits over seven innings, walking one batter and striking out six.

Dylan Bundy remains scheduled to start Sunday for short-season Single-A Aberdeen, his first game since leaving extended spring training.

“It’s exciting for him and (minor league medical coordinator) Dave Walker,” Showalter said. “I wish Dave could go to Hudson Valley, the roads they’ve been down together. I really applaud Dave. He’s put in a lot of time down there with rehab. A lot of, I wouldn’t say thankless work, but stuff nobody sees early in the morning, late in the afternoon. So, I know he’ll be anxiously watching.”

Impressionist Frank Caliendo, who’s appearing tonight at Power Plant Live in Baltimore, performed for the Orioles inside their clubhouse this morning after working up a sweat playing ping pong.

He did the usual impressions, including John Madden, Chris Berman, Charles Barkley, Shaq, Jim Rome, Stephen A. Smith, George W. Bush, Mel Kiper, Ron Jaworski and my personal favorite, Jon Gruden. He also did a spot-on Tim Kurkjian.

Showalter appreciated that the players had a fun diversion before heading out to batting practice.

“That’s why it’s so important to get away from it sometimes,” he said. “Laughter’s a great thing. I have to suppress mine sometimes because someone may perceive it as disrespectful to the other team or something.

“I try to make John Russell laugh once a day. Hard to do.”

Caliendo stopped by Showalter’s office before leaving Camden Yards, the first time they’ve met. Within a few minutes, he had perfected Showalter’s facial expressions.

Too bad he doesn’t do Gary Thorne. It was requested by one of the players.

For the Blue Jays
Jose Reyes SS
Melky Cabrera LF
Jose Bautista RF
Adam Lind DH
Edwin Encarnacion 1B
Juan Francisco 3B
Brett Lawrie 2B
Josh Thole C
Anthony Gose CF

R.A. Dickey RHP