masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgI’ve warned you that math isn’t my thing, and it challenged me again this week during the flurry of 40-man roster moves.

It reminded me of the ol’ shell game. Guys were moving on and off the roster so fast, my eyes began to cross.

I thought Mark Hendrickson’s addition after his 48-hour removal, and the Michael Gonzalez trade, left the Orioles without any more room for an outsider. I had Hendrickson pegged as the 40th. Mike Ballard and Mitch Atkins came off, Kyle Hudson and Rick VandenHurk…I’ve warned you that math isn’t my thing, and it challenged me again this week during the flurry of 40-man roster moves.

It reminded me of the ol’ shell game. Guys were moving on and off the roster so fast, my eyes began to cross.

I thought Mark Hendrickson’s addition after his 48-hour removal, and the Michael Gonzalez trade, left the Orioles without any more room for an outsider. I had Hendrickson pegged as the 40th. Mike Ballard and Mitch Atkins came off, Kyle Hudson and Rick VandenHurk came on. Still 40 by my count.

Newcomer Pedro Strop, obtained from the Rangers in the Gonzalez deal – cash from the trade was put toward the waiver claim – looked like No. 41, but he actually puts the Orioles at their limit. No corresponding 40-man move is necessary.

I checked with three people in the organization. I was able to count that high without becoming confused.

Players on the 60-day disabled list – Brian Roberts, Jake Arrieta and Luke Scott – no longer are included on the 40-man.

The Orioles might need to make space later this month. President of baseball operations Andy MacPhail didn’t dismiss the possibility that another contract could be purchased from the minors. He’s waiting for status updates on Chris Davis, Cesar Izturis and Jason Berken, who remain on the disabled list.

Third baseman Josh Bell, who’s on the 40-man, is a candidate to be recalled.

Here’s the current 40-man roster:

Pitchers:
Brad Bergesen
Jason Berken
Zach Britton
Dylan Bundy
Willie Eyre
Kevin Gregg
Jeremy Guthrie
Mark Hendrickson
Tommy Hunter
Chris Jakubauskas
Jim Johnson
Brian Matusz
Troy Patton
Zach Phillips
Jo-Jo Reyes
Alfredo Simon
Pedro Strop
Chris Tillman
Rick VandenHurk
Pedro Viola

Catchers:
Jake Fox
Craig Tatum
Matt Wieters

Infielders:
Ryan Adams
Robert Andino
Josh Bell
Blake Davis
Chris Davis
Pedro Florimon
J.J. Hardy
Cesar Izturis
Joe Mahoney
Mark Reynolds
Brandon Snyder

Outfielders:
Matt Angle
Kyle Hudson
Adam Jones
Nick Markakis
Nolan Reimold

Designated Hitter:
Vladimir Guerrero