Some brief notes from Buck Showalter’s pre-game meeting with reporters:

Saturday’s starter has still not been determined. Jake Arrieta will pitch Friday and Jason Hammel will pitch Sunday against the Philadelphia Phillies. Lefty Zach Britton pitches today for Triple-A Norfolk, so he is not an option. Showalter said the candidate could come from the current bullpen, such as lefty Dana Eveland or righty Miguel Gonzalez, or from Norfolk. Candidates there would include Chris Tillman, Tommy Hunter and Jason Berken.

Showalter is not ready to set a timetable for Britton’s return. He said Britton has been promoted to Triple-A Norfolk and the club wants to see how he does there.

Adam Jones is in the lineup and he is batting third with Matt Wieters hitting cleanup. Showalter said he could be shuffling things while Nick Markakis (hamate bone fracture) is on the disabled list. Showalter said he prefers having a little more footspeed in the third spot, and that neither Wieters nor Jones seem to care where they hit.

Markakis’ is about a week away from getting his stitches out.

The Orioles signed Nate McLouth, a 30-year-old outfielder who was released by the Pittsburgh Pirates after hitting .140 in 34 games this season. Showalter said McLouth will be in the outfield mix at Norfolk.

Brian Roberts is leading off and playing second base for Triple-A Norfolk today. He is expected to get just one day off during his stint with the Tides.

Catcher Taylor Teagarden (back) is about ready to do hitting activities in Sarasota.