Gausman nearing return, but in what role?
O's righty has experience pitching as a starter and reliever
BALTIMORE -- Kevin Gausman could be rejoining the Orioles soon, but manager Buck Showalter isn't giving any definitive answers just yet.
The right-hander made a rehab start with Double-A Bowie on Thursday and will throw two innings for Class A Advanced Frederick on Tuesday. In his outing on Thursday, Gausman went 3 1/3 innings, allowing four hits, four runs and two home runs while throwing 61 pitches. He struck out four.
"I felt good. I feel good today," Gausman said. "Woke up, normal soreness. Not anything worse than I was expecting. Arm felt good. Kind of tough in the heat last night, but got my electrolytes in me last night. Feeling good today."
The 24-year-old said he had all is pitches working, especially his changeup.
Gausman had been working out of the bullpen this season before being placed on the 15-day disabled list on May 8 with shoulder tendinitis. However, the righty made 20 starts for the Orioles last season, and it is uncertain what his role will be upon his return to Baltimore.
The Orioles were planning on stretching Gausman out some during his rehab stints, but the fact that he is only throwing two innings next week could mean he will be on his way back to Baltimore soon.
Showalter even hinted at it when asked why his pitcher was only throwing two innings.
"I think that will reveal itself as we go forward," he said.
• Jonathan Schoop, who has not played with the team since being placed on the 15-day DL on April 18 with a sprained right knee, will work out with the O's Monday through Thursday and then go to Bowie. Showalter wasn't sure whether it would be a rehab assignment, but he did confirm Schoop would be joining the Baysox after his short stay with the Orioles.