Showalter said it isn't necessary for the Orioles to have a designated long reliever, if the rotation does its part.
"It depends on how deep our starting pitching is going to go. We are working hard to have a maneuverable bullpen," Showalter said. "There's so much unknown there. We feel like we'll have some people in our bullpen that can go more than one inning."
One of the more intriguing battles in camp has been between Patton, 26, and Phillips, 25, to fill a left-handed relief role. Both have pitched well in camp – Patton hasn't given up an earned run in 10 1/3 innings and Phillips has allowed just two in 12 1/3 -- and both did well last year with the Orioles.
Patton may have the upper hand because he is out of options and Phillips is not. For both to make the roster, an injury or trade likely will have to occur.
"If there is a way to keep both of us, that's awesome. We are both very good," Phillips said. "Either way I am not going to be mad. I'll be disappointed, because I feel like I had a good spring. But I can just go out there and throw when they tell me to."
Neither pitcher has been told what the future holds, but those answers are nearing.
"I haven't talked to anyone and I am not really worried about it," Phillips said. "Only a few more days in camp, and so we will find out soon."
