By Dan Connolly The Baltimore Sun

3:50 p.m. EDT, September 16, 2012
Orioles manager Buck Showalter said that lefty Troy Patton(ankle) threw to four batters -- including two lefties -- in one inning in the organization’s first instructional league game Sunday in Sarasota. He will pitch again Tuesday and Wednesday or in an elongated outing Tuesday. It’s still possible he could join the club in Boston for Friday’s game.

Designated hitter Jim Thome (herniated disk in neck) will participate in simulated games Monday and Tuesday and then play in an instructional league game Wednesday in Sarasota.

Wei-Yin Chen came out of his side session feeling strong and will take his regular turn Tuesday in Seattle. Miguel Gonzalez, who will be getting extra rest, is slated to start one of the games in Boston, Showalter said.

Tommy Hunter will be the first long reliever used today if Randy Wolf cannot pitch deep into the game.

Jason Hammel has played catch but has not gotten back on a mound yet. The Orioles are monitoring his right knee situation closely.

Mark Reynolds was in the lineup Sunday, missing no time though he has been dealing with some numbness in his left biceps.

Here is the Orioles lineup: McLouth 7, Hardy 6, Davis DH, Jones 8, Wieters 2, Reynolds 3, Machado 5, Chavez 9, Andino 4. Wolf 1

A’s lineup: Cowgill 7, Gomes DH, Reddick 9, Cespedes 8, Carter 3, Donaldson 5, Drew 6, Rosales 4, Kottaras 2. Straily 1.