Alvarez to miss Toronto trip due to visa issue

BALTIMORE -- Dariel Alvarez will not accompany the team to Toronto as the Cuban outfielder does not have his work visa and thus cannot travel to Canada for the Orioles' three-game weekend series against the Blue Jays.

"Dariel Alvarez will be optioned to [Class-A Advanced] Frederick," manager Buck Showalter said after Wednesday's 7-6, 11-inning win over the Rays. "That will keep him available to us after their season is over on Monday-ish, or we could option him to Norfolk the way I understand it [after that]. This keeps all of our options open."

Alvarez, a right-handed hitter, would have received playing time with the Blue Jays starting two lefties in Mark Buehrle (Saturday) and David Price (Sunday). With roster expansion, the O's don't have to make a roster move, though they will if they want to add a guy from Triple-A Norfolk from within the minimum 10-day stay window.

The easy option, if they go that route, could be to bring up a guy like Nolan Reimold or place Miguel Gonzalez on the disabled list.

Asked if the plan was to put Gonzalez on the DL, Showalter said: "Not yet."

The Orioles are also expected to add a pitcher prior to Friday's game to help bolster the bullpen.