masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgOrioles manager Buck Showalter just completed his pregame media session, and I’ll post his comments later this afternoon.

In the meantime, Showalter stressed that Jake Arrieta was sent down today only because the Orioles needed a long reliever for the next few days after using Tommy Hunter and T.J. McFarland for multiple innings the past two games. Otherwise, Arrieta would still be on the 25-man roster.

Showalter said he’s convinced that Arrieta is a guy who could help the Orioles make the…Orioles manager Buck Showalter just completed his pregame media session, and I’ll post his comments later this afternoon.

In the meantime, Showalter stressed that Jake Arrieta was sent down today only because the Orioles needed a long reliever for the next few days after using Tommy Hunter and T.J. McFarland for multiple innings the past two games. Otherwise, Arrieta would still be on the 25-man roster.

Showalter said he’s convinced that Arrieta is a guy who could help the Orioles make the playoffs. The club believes that Arrieta’s emotions affect his mechanics.

The Orioles aren’t considering a bullpen move for Arrieta at this point.

“I don’t think we’re there yet,” Showalter said.

The Orioles will keep Arrieta on his normal turn, which would make him Friday night’s starter for Triple-A Norfolk.

As for Wednesday’s starter against the Toronto Blue Jays, the Orioles won’t use one of their relievers. They will call up a pitcher from Norfolk, with the three candidates appearing to be Zach Britton, Freddy Garcia and Josh Stinson.

Garcia is the only one not on the 40-man roster, but the Orioles can make room for him. He has an opt-out clause, which would be a possible tie-breaker, but Showalter said if one pitcher rates higher than the others, he will be the choice.

Jair Jurrjens started last night for Norfolk, so he’s not in the equation.

Alex Burnett, recalled today from Norfolk, is expected to be optioned on Wednesday. The Orioles won’t go with a short bench, which eliminates the possibility of a position player being sent down.

More to come.