FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Injured reliever Chris Ray has expanded his throwing program to include 25 tosses from 60 feet to go along with 25 tosses from 45 feet. He is expected to leave major league camp Sunday to continue his rehabilitation from ligament-reconstruction surgery at the club's minor league facility in Sarasota.
"I'm just sticking to the schedule," Ray said yesterday. "I'm not sure when the next jump is, but I'll probably be on this a few more times. I feel really good. I'm pleased how my elbow is feeling right now."
Orioles manager Dave Trembley said yesterday that George Sherrill, Ray's likely replacement as closer, will throw a side session in a couple of days and could be ready to pitch in an exhibition game early next week. Sherrill strained his right hamstring Friday.
Pitching schedule set
Trembley unveiled his pitching plan for the next four days, starting with today's intrasquad game. Garrett Olson, Dennis Sarfate, Greg Aquino and Craig Anderson will pitch for Triple-A manager Gary Allenson's team. Matt Albers, Ryan Bukvich, Jim Hoey and Randor Bierd will pitch for Double-A manager Brad Komminsk's squad.
In tomorrow's intrasquad game, Allenson will send out Brian Burres, Chris Tillman, Bob McCrory, Radhames Liz and Ryan Keefer. Komminsk's team will use Hayden Penn, Roberto Novoa, Kam Mickolio and Fredy Deza.
The Orioles' exhibition opener is Thursday against the Florida Marlins at Fort Lauderdale Stadium. Adam Loewen will start, followed by Chad Bradford, Rocky Cherry, Jon Leicester, Lance Cormier, Jim Johnson and Esteban Yan. The Orioles will face the Marlins in Jupiter on Friday with Steve Trachsel, Sarfate, Aquino, Bierd, Jamie Walker, Hoey and Bukvich.
The starters will be used for a maximum of 35 pitches or two innings.
jeff.zrebiec@baltsun.com