Gausman makes case for extended stay

BALTIMORE -- Kevin Gausman's immediate future with the Orioles remains unclear, but in Thursday night's 2-0 loss to the Rangers, the 24-year-old made quite the case to stick around the big leagues for a little longer.

Called up earlier in the day to make his second start of the season, Gausman threw 6 1/3 shutout innings, striking out seven but not factoring into the decision.

"Basically, challenge their hitters, try to really shut down the middle of their lineup," Gausman said of his game plan going into the game. "That's kind of what they did in the games that they kind of beat us up a little bit, the first two in the series. Those guys really kind of had a big impact. That was my focus going into the game, and I like facing lefties."

Facing Texas' Yovani Gallardo, the Orioles' offense was unable to muster any run support, but Gausman didn't give an inch on the other end.

"He was using both depths with his fastball," manager Buck Showalter said. "We talked before, pitching down all the time isn't always [good]. Good hitters get their arms extended. But he changed eye levels a lot with his fastball, which I thought was really good."

Gausman scattered two walks and four hits and was pulled with runners on first and second in the seventh inning.

Gausman started the season as a reliever, but his last two appearances in the Major Leagues have come as a starter. In between, he pitched once in Triple-A Norfolk.

He will travel with the team to Chicago, Showalter said, but whether or not he will make another start or be optioned back to Norfolk is undecided.

"That's all I want to do is pitch, whether it's here or in Triple-A," Gausman said. "I just want to pitch. I just want to pitch and throw a lot of innings.

"I packed a bag just in case."