Orioles activate Flaherty, option Navarro

NEW YORK -- As expected, the Orioles added infielder Ryan Flaherty to the active roster and starting lineup on Friday, optioning Rey Navarro to clear a roster spot.

Flaherty, who was sidelined with a right groin strain, played three games earlier this week on a rehab assignment for Double-A Bowie and came off the disabled list as soon as he could.

"When it happened, a couple days after, I had a pretty good idea that I'd be back by this time," Flaherty said.

"I don't know honestly [if I could have avoided the DL]. This is the first time I ever pulled a muscle in my life. It was just kind of a trial-and-error with me because I had never done it before."

The versatile Flaherty got the start at second base against the Yankees, which is where he's expected to get the most playing time with second baseman Jonathan Schoop on the DL.