BALTIMORE -- The Orioles optioned outfielder Dariel Álvarez to Triple-A Norfolk after their 3-2 win over the Rockies on Monday night. The move clears room for outfielder Hyun Soo Kim when he becomes eligible to be activated from the disabled list Tuesday.
Alvarez was called up Friday after the O's placed outfielder Joey Rickard on the 15-day DL. He earned his first start of the season Monday and contributed a key double in the seventh inning that advanced Nolan Reimold to third base. Reimold scored the tying run on a ground ball by Adam Jones.
Kim, who's been out since July 10 with a right hamstring strain, completed his second rehab game at Double-A Bowie on Monday night. After going 0-for-3 as the designated hitter in Sunday's game, Kim played left field and went 2-for-4 with a home run Monday.
Before the Orioles' game Monday, manager Buck Showalter said he was hopeful Kim would be ready to return Tuesday. The Orioles have been playing with a thin outfield the past five games with Rickard and Kim injured.