masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgOrioles manager Buck Showalter still won’t allow himself to be pressed into naming a closer, no matter how hard the media tries.

Asked about Koji Uehara’s role and whether the right-hander has emerged as the closer, Showalter said he’ll continue to do “what’s best for the Orioles.”

That might be Uehara one night and someone else the next. He mentioned how Alfredo Simon is still capable. He knows that Michael Gonzalez has closed games in the past.

“But Koji, he’s got a hot hand right…Orioles manager Buck Showalter still won’t allow himself to be pressed into naming a closer, no matter how hard the media tries.

Asked about Koji Uehara’s role and whether the right-hander has emerged as the closer, Showalter said he’ll continue to do “what’s best for the Orioles.”

That might be Uehara one night and someone else the next. He mentioned how Alfredo Simon is still capable. He knows that Michael Gonzalez has closed games in the past.

“But Koji, he’s got a hot hand right now, for sure,” Showalter told reporters in Chicago. “I think we have a pretty good idea what he’s capable of doing when healthy.”

Showalter will be satisfied if his team has a lead in the ninth inning. One thing at a time.

Down on the farm, Triple-A Norfolk’s Chris Tillman gave up a leadoff homer to Charlotte’s Alejandro De Aza.

Update: It hasn’t gotten any better for Tillman. He’s allowed six runs (four earned) and seven hits in two innings. Brandon Snyder’s error in the second didn’t help his cause.

Double-A Bowie’s Steve Johnson allowed two runs and five hits in the first inning against New Britain.