O's taking wait-and-see approach on Patton

BOSTON -- Orioles lefty reliever Troy Patton, who is scheduled to come off the suspended list on April 30, is ready to start pitching in games.

What happens after that could prove challenging for the Orioles, who will have to clear a roster spot or risk losing Patton -- who is out of options -- on waivers.

"We've talked about it, but until we get there, a lot of things can change between now and the 30th," manager Buck Showalter said. "We gained another day because of the rainout. Or lost another day, depending how you look at it. If we had to make the decision today, it would be very tricky. We'll see what happens between now and then.

"The worst thing would be he's pitching wherever and not doing well and here comes... He's healthy. He's fine down there. I'm anxious to see him get in front of some competition where guys are trying to beat up on him."

Patton would join lefties Zach Britton and Brian Matusz in the bullpen, although there's no clear-cut solution as to who goes with the O's having a relief corps with several out-of-option players.