Orioles still pondering potential call-ups if Norfolk's season ends

Triple-A Norfolk's season could end tonight in the International League semifinals and the Orioles are still deciding whether they will add more players to the expanded roster if the Tides are eliminated.

Orioles manager Buck Showalter said several players would be considered for call-ups, but said he still had to speak with executive vice president Dan Duquette about those decisions.

The Tides trail the Columbus Clippers two games to one entering tonight's Game 4.

Right-hander Tyler Wilson, who could give the Orioles an extra bullpen arm and would be a spot start candidate, appears to be the most likely Norfolk player to come up. Showalter said that first baseman Christian Walker, who earned a September call-up last season, was also deserving.

Right-handed reliever Oliver Drake, who has pitched to a 0.82 ERA and recorded 23 saves for the Tides, is also a consideration. But Drake has pitched 54 2/3 innings this season – including 10 2/3 at the big league level – which is his most since becoming a fulltime reliever in 2013 coming off shoulder surgery.

Outfielder Henry Urrutia, who earned a brief callup last month, is another possibility.

The Orioles had initially planned to have a camp for minor leaguers who could be possibilities to join the big league club this month, but Instructional League begins this week in Sarasota, so Showalter said he was uncertain whether that camp would still take place.

Meanwhile, Double-A Bowie won its first playoff series in club history, beating Altoona in four games to win the Eastern League semifinals.

They open the best-of-five league championship series on Tuesday in Reading, with games three, four and five (the last two if necessary) to be played at Prince George's Stadium.

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