BALTIMORE - Tsuyoshi Wada is taking steps to finally make his debut for the Baltimore Orioles, and manager Buck Showalter likes his progress.
Wada is on the disabled list with a sore left elbow, and Showalter said he threw 35-40 pitches on Saturday in extended spring training in Sarasota, Fla.
He'll next pitch in a game against Minnesota Twins' minor leaguers in Fort Myers, Fla. on Monday, and another against Tampa Bay Rays' farmhands on April 14, and if those go well, he'll be in line for a rehab assignment on April 19, Showalter said.
By then, he'll have thrown 90 or more pitches in a game, and could be with the Orioles either as a starter or reliever.
"He's going to have the ability to do both by then. So that's good for us," Showalter said.
Wada is eligible to be placed on the active roster on Thursday.
"I really like what is going on with him down there. He looks like he is making good progress," Showalter said.
WISHING SIMON WELL: Last Tuesday, Alfredo Simon was claimed on waivers by Cincinnati. Simon had little chance to make the Orioles roster. He didn't pitch terribly well during spring training, and though he was auditioning as a starter, there were at least six stronger candidates, and just as many right-handers in the bullpen.
A strained left groin didn't help him.
"He's going to pitch well for Cincinnati. We knew that more than likely he'd get picked up. We were willing to take that issue on," Showalter said.
Simon was out of options, and teams knew that, and as a result, the Orioles couldn't make a deal.
"We liked some people a tad better in the role that he was competing for," Showalter said.
"He did some good things for us, considering his history and background and how we got him."
In parts of a tumultuous four seasons as both a starter and reliever, the 31-year-old Simon was 8-12 with a 5.18 ERA.
Simon missed time last season after he was charged in a shooting in the Dominican Republic, a charge that was later dropped.
He also had Tommy John surgery and disabled list visits with hamstring injuries.
"He was here when I got here, and I like some of the things he did at times. I wish him well. He's a good pickup for them," Showalter said.
PAULINO MAKING DEBUT: Showalter started Nick Johnson at first base and Ronny Paulino at designated hitter. It was their first starts with the Orioles, and Paulino's first ever start at DH.
"It's exciting when you're in the lineup," Paulino said.
"It's different DHing, but we have a cage here for guys to stay ready," Paulino said.
"You keep yourself ready and your body warm and ready to hit."
The cool Saturday evening didn't bother Paulino.
"We can keep ourselves warm inside," Paulino said. "The training room is right in here."
GREGG BOOED: Kevin Gregg was the only Orioles player booed during pregame introductions for Opening Day.
Gregg lost his job as closer to Jim Johnson last August, and it's no secret the team tried to trade him and failed last winter and this spring.
"You never like to see anybody have that, but Kevin is an experienced guy," Showalter said.
"If it was a young guy, you'd feel a little more strongly about it. Our fans, like a lot of places, are waiting to embrace you and to be real positive, and it is up to us to do the things that make them want to embrace us. We control that, and Kevin knows that."
ODDS AND ENDS: The Twins have switched starters for Sunday. Liam Hendriks came down with food poisoning, and he'll be replaced by Anthony Swarzak. ... Chris Tillman allowed four runs and seven hits in 4 1/3 innings for Norfolk in the first game of a doubleheader. ... Dylan Bundy struck out six in three innings in his professional debut for Delmarva on Friday.
