masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgIf you forgot that Alexi Casilla remained in the Orioles organization, he’s providing a reminder today and it’s anything but subtle.

The Orioles are summoning Casilla from Arizona – he had permission to work out there instead of Sarasota – and he’s expected to be in uniform for today’s game against the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre.

Manager Buck Showalter is clearly upset with his infield defense – third base has become a troublesome spot – and Casilla is the ultimate utility guy.

The…If you forgot that Alexi Casilla remained in the Orioles organization, he’s providing a reminder today and it’s anything but subtle.

The Orioles are summoning Casilla from Arizona – he had permission to work out there instead of Sarasota – and he’s expected to be in uniform for today’s game against the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre.

Manager Buck Showalter is clearly upset with his infield defense – third base has become a troublesome spot – and Casilla is the ultimate utility guy.

casilla-gloves-orange-14-sidebar.jpgThe Orioles would have promoted him immediately after rosters expanded on Sept. 1, except he was recovering from a hamstring injury. They sent him to short-season Single-A Aberdeen before returning him to Triple-A Norfolk.

Back in June, Casilla underwent surgery to remove a broken hamate bone. He’s been challenged to stay healthy.

Casilla, 30, batted .264/.315/.320 in 56 games at Norfolk. He hit .214/.268/.295 in 62 games with the Orioles last season, and they re-signed him as a free agent in January.

What do the Orioles have planned for Casilla in his return to the team?

Interesting timing, to say the least.

The 40-man roster is full and the Orioles must create a spot for Casilla. They could transfer pitcher Steve Johnson, who underwent surgery to shave a bone spur behind his right shoulder, to the 60-day disabled list.

Infielder Steve Lombardozzi and reliever Preston Guilmet are candidates to come off the 40-man.

Lombardozzi isn’t on the taxi squad and Casilla has been summoned ahead of him. The writing is on the wall.

The Orioles lead the season series with Toronto 10-7 and have never won more than 11 games, according to STATS. They posted 11 victories in 2012, 2004, 1980 and 1979.

Despite taking the loss in last night’s game, Chris Tillman will finish the season tied for the second-best road winning percentage in a season by an Oriole pitcher (.889; 8-1). Scott McGregor holds the record with a .933 mark (14-1) in 1983.

Tillman is tied with Erik Bedard (2007), Mike Mussina (1994) and Jim Palmer (1982).