Notes on Hardy, roster moves, bullpen, Álvarez, Sisco and more

Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy arrived at Camden Yards early this afternoon and likely will receive a cortisone injection in his right elbow to combat the soreness that developed from hitting. He's waiting to meet with team orthopedist Dr. Michael Jacobs.

Manager Buck Showalter likened the sensation to "tennis elbow" and said Hardy could be activated from the 60-day disabled list by Monday. A corresponding move will need to be made on the 40-man roster.

"He said he's had it before and got an injection and cleared it up," Showalter said.

The shoulder is "just about where it's going to be," Showalter said. "But the elbow is something the last couple days, kind of cropped up. So instead of him continuing to play with it and it gets worse, we thought we'd bring him here.

"If he had been completely healthy, he'd be active tonight, but we think he's close and we can finish it up here. Plus, it keeps him off that bus ride to Charlotte."

Showalter said one or two additional 40-man moves might be necessary this month. Pitchers Tyler Wilson and Logan Verrett were designated for assignment earlier today.

"Sometimes, you do them a favor," Showalter said. "I talked about it in the spring with Oliver Drake. You're doing them a favor. If they're out of options or going back and forth. Let them go pitch in the big leagues. Sometimes there's part of that, too. Whether it's Logan or Tyler or whoever. But you've got to ask yourself, do we have something to replace that? And can we find a similar piece in the offseason?"

Asked about the difficulty in DFAing Wilson, Showalter didn't want to talk about him in the past tense.

"He isn't gone. He might clear and he'll be back with us," Showalter said.

"Somebody who's very professional. Tyler's good people and I hope he gets claimed. He's got a major league personality and work habits. We just got to the point where we needed the spots."

Relievers Jimmy Yacabonis and Richard Rodriguez join the bullpen tonight and more reinforcements are on the way. Mike Wright, Donnie Hart and Alec Asher are expected to be recalled once they're eligible.

Asher was optioned on Aug. 22 and can return on Saturday.

The Orioles have been working with a six-man bullpen. Chris Tillman, listed as Sunday's starter, warmed up last night in the eighth inning in case they needed him.

"It may be uncomfortable for the fans or whoever, but we're sitting there trying to get through, because we're short in the 'pen, and the same guys can't pitch every day three or four days in a row. It just can't happen," Showalter said.

"I'm very proud that we don't have a league leader in appearances, but it's because we've been able to pass the load around. And we're trying to keep Anthony (Santander), which we want to do, so going into last night, we knew we were going to add one, but by the time the game was over, we were going to add two.

"We do a history, how many times they've been up, and there's a way to keep guys healthy. And if you get away from it, you're going to pay the price, so having these two guys here ..."

Rodriguez, 27, finally gets a shot in the majors after posting a 2.42 ERA in 42 games with Triple-A Norfolk. He has a career 3.04 ERA in eight minor league seasons. He was acquired from the Astros in June 2015 in a trade that completely flew under the radar.

"I'm kind of intrigued by Rich," Showalter said. "Just about anyone who went down there came back talking about him. It will be interesting to see how he does. He's got a good arm."

Showalter said infielder Chris Johnson, son of Norfolk manager Ron Johnson, could have his contract selected. However, the Orioles first must solve their 40-man roster issues.

Showalter thought about starting Pedro Álvarez tonight against Blue Jays right-hander Joe Biagini. Showalter said Álvarez mostly will be used as a designated hitter and pinch-hitter, though the reports on his play at first base were pretty good.

"I think we'll probably play a little more matchup as we go on," Showalter said. "I see him maybe starting some games. We'll look at a way to get him in there. I think he can be a real shot in the arm for us.

"It's like I told him today, I've been impressed. You look at his background and his history, to go down there and post up like he did."

Catcher Chance Sisco will do more observing than playing.

"I think there's a lot of things to be gained by him being here," Showalter said. "I know our two catchers and how open and receiving and giving. I know they were in there, he was asking about some of their hitters and stuff and they were going over everything, the information. So I think it's a good experience for him. This is the first time he's ever played in September, except for the fall league or instructional league, which is a whole different environment."

The Orioles are expected to face three consecutive left-handed starters beginning with Toronto's Brett Anderson on Sunday, which would keep Álvarez on the bench.

A scoring change in the Aug. 26 game in Boston has removed an error from center fielder Adam Jones and awarded a double to Mookie Betts. Betts had been credited with a single.

For the Blue Jays
Ezequiel Carrera LF
Josh Donaldson 3B
Kendrys Morales DH
Steve Pearce 1B
Kevin Pillar CF
Ryan Goins SS
Darwin Barney 2B
Teoscar Hernandez RF
Raffy Lopez C

Joe Biagini RHP