Flu-like bug keeps O's on their toes with pitching

BALTIMORE -- Part of the reason the Orioles did not play a doubleheader Wednesday is that both clubs are still feeling the effects of flu-like symptoms. Rays pitcher Jake Odorizzi was sent home on Monday and the Orioles sent both Evan Meek and Adam Jones home on Tuesday afternoon.

Meek and Jones were back Wednesday, though clearly not 100 percent, and Jones was moved to designated hitter after originally being penciled in at center field.

The Orioles disinfected the whole locker room and shower area Tuesday in hopes of ending this highly contagious bug. Bud Norris was in the bullpen Wednesday, because manager Buck Showalter said a couple more players could be feeling the early stages of the illness.

"They went back over everything again. ... Ping pong paddles, pool sticks," Showalter said of the cleaning. "Everything is a carrier.

"Let's put it this way, I'm glad we didn't schedule a doubleheader for today."

Norris wasn't used on Wednesday, lining him up to start in Boston on Saturday. The Orioles kept Miguel Gonzalez on turn following Tuesday's rainout, pushing Chris Tillman to Friday's series opener following Thursday's off-day.

"Remember when you get something new for Christmas? And your parents were always like, 'Let's keep it new and see what it's like three or four years later.' It's kind of where I am with our pitchers," Showalter said of the decision to give Tillman an extra day and not let Gonzalez get too far removed. "Just thought Tilly could benefit, regardless of who we are facing or where we are down the road. The thing that's optimum is his health. And everybody's."