masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgThere wasn’t much news to come out of today’s pregame session with Orioles manager Buck Showalter.
Showalter doesn’t sound confident that Rule 5 pick Joey Rickard will be cleared to play before September.
Rickard continues to wear a splint on his right hand due to a torn ligament in his thumb. He can remove the splint for short periods, but he’s still required to wear it following Monday’s examination.
While Showalter believes that Rickard will return this season, he added that it’s…

There wasn’t much news to come out of today’s pregame session with Orioles manager Buck Showalter.

Showalter doesn’t sound confident that Rule 5 pick Joey Rickard will be cleared to play before September.

Rickard-Swings-White-Sidebar.jpgRickard continues to wear a splint on his right hand due to a torn ligament in his thumb. He can remove the splint for short periods, but he’s still required to wear it following Monday’s examination.

While Showalter believes that Rickard will return this season, he added that it’s “hard to think before September.”

Left-hander T.J. McFarland is ready to throw a bullpen session as he recovers from a knee injury.

Another left-hander, Brian Duensing, should be ready to return when he’s eligible in about three weeks “if he continues down the path he’s on,” Showalter said.

Duensing underwent surgery in late June to remove cartilage chips from his elbow. He’s currently on the 60-day disabled list.

Rickard, McFarland and Duensing can be the equivalent of September call-ups to an expanded roster.

Showalter didn’t have an update on reliever Chaz Roe, who was designated for assignment on Friday.

Double-A Bowie left-hander Chris Lee still hasn’t been cleared to throw after being shut down again with a lat injury. Lee could get some innings in the fall instructional league or Arizona Fall League.

The Orioles met today to discuss rosters for both leagues. Showalter didn’t think the 2016 draft picks would be included. First-rounder Cody Sedlock will have enough innings this year.

The Orioles eventually will have to decide which players to protect from the Rule 5 draft. One possibility is Bowie’s Jesus Liranzo, 21, who posted a 1.05 ERA and 0.79 WHIP in 16 relief appearances at low Single-A Delmarva before moving up two spots in the system.

Liranzo, who combines a plus slider with a fastball that touches the upper 90s, has made two appearances with Bowie since his promotion. He’s walked one and struck out three in three scoreless and hitless innings.