masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgCLEVELAND – The Orioles scratched T.J. McFarland from today’s start at Triple-A Norfolk in order to keep him available as a long relief option if needed.
Manager Buck Showalter desperately needs an extended outing from Chris Tillman, who’s strung together seven quality starts in a row. Vance Worley worked 4 1/3 innings yesterday and the bullpen could be taxed.
The Orioles could choose to recall McFarland this week, no matter how long Tillman is on the mound today. They’d like to have another…

CLEVELAND – The Orioles scratched T.J. McFarland from today’s start at Triple-A Norfolk in order to keep him available as a long relief option if needed.

Manager Buck Showalter desperately needs an extended outing from Chris Tillman, who’s strung together seven quality starts in a row. Vance Worley worked 4 1/3 innings yesterday and the bullpen could be taxed.

tj-mcfarland-gray-sidebar-throws.jpgThe Orioles could choose to recall McFarland this week, no matter how long Tillman is on the mound today. They’d like to have another long reliever besides Worley and considered summoning him today.

Dylan Bundy has been extended to three innings, but it’s not an ideal solution.

Also, Showalter said Ubaldo Jimenez is the “projected” starter for Thursday night’s game against the Red Sox at Camden Yards. Jimenez is listed among the four starters.

Shortstop J.J. Hardy had the boot removed from his left foot and will under another CT scan.

I’ll have more later. I’m appearing on “O’s Xtra” on MASN2, which airs at 12:30 p.m. and I’m running behind. But those are the highlights.