masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgLOS ANGELES – Orioles manager Buck Showalter saw his team allow 31 runs in losing four games at Seattle and his starters cover just 18 innings in that series. Despite that, he said his bullpen is in good shape heading into this three-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers that starts tonight.
“We came out of four tough days pitching-wise and we have just about everybody available in our bullpen today,” Showalter said. “That is a real tribute to trying to stay ahead of some of the things…

LOS ANGELES – Orioles manager Buck Showalter saw his team allow 31 runs in losing four games at Seattle and his starters cover just 18 innings in that series. Despite that, he said his bullpen is in good shape heading into this three-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers that starts tonight.

“We came out of four tough days pitching-wise and we have just about everybody available in our bullpen today,” Showalter said. “That is a real tribute to trying to stay ahead of some of the things that are coming.”

The O’s added a fresh arm today when left-hander Jayson Aquino joined the team from Double-A Bowie. Tonight would have been his day to start for the Baysox. The O’s optioned Ariel Miranda back to Triple-A. Also, outfielder Dariel Alvarez joined the team from Triple-A Norfolk as Pedro Alvarez will miss this series on bereavement leave. Pedro Alvarez will rejoin the Orioles on Friday.

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The Orioles are starting Yovani Gallardo tonight, Chris Tillman tomorrow and Kevin Gausman Wednesday afternoon.

They have not yet announced which pitcher will start Friday’s game at home. That would have been Tyler Wilson before he was optioned out. Showalter said Ubaldo Jimenez is possible for that outing and even Dylan Bundy is possible.

“We’re going to see how we get through these three days,” Showalter said. “We’ve got some options that may not be there by the time we get there. We’ll see. Dylan is in play somewhat. But we could use him long here and not have that option. Not necessarily as a starter either on Friday. You could do the minor league piggy-back thing. Plus are we still considering Ubaldo.”

In the daily Darren O’Day update, it has become clear he will not pitch for the Orioles before the All-Star break.

“He’s throwing, but not driving off that leg like his delivery does,” Showalter said. “I’m hoping that is moving in a really good direction. I think the next two or three days….if we like where we’re going he won’t have much of an All-Star break.”

Showalter said Mychal Givens will leave the team any day on paternity leave and he also provided an update on T.J. McFarland, who will miss three to four weeks with a left knee injury.