CLEARWATER, FLA. — The Orioles have released veteran left-hander Mark Hendrickson, a non-roster invitee who was trying to make the big league club as areliever with a lower arm slot.
The club is expected to make five more cuts after Monday afternoon's game against the Philadelphia Phillies -- three pitchers and two position players.
The Orioles could offer Hendrickson, 40, a non-player position within the organization if he chooses to retire. He hasn't pitched in the majors since 2011, with the Orioles.
Manager Buck Showalter has said he believes Hendrickson would make a great pitching coach after his playing days are over.
Matusz will start again
Showalter announced that left-hander Brian Matusz will receive another Grepefruit League start Friday against the Boston Red Sox in Fort Myers. He could be extended to 60 pitches in that outing.
The manager also said that left-hander Wei-Yin Chen and right-hander Kevin Gausman will both make their next starts Friday in minor league games.
Harvey on a limit
Pitching prospect Hunter Harvey, who could make his final appearance of the spring with the big league club Monday, will be held to an innings limit in an effort to ensure he will be available to the major league club late in the season.
Harvey, the Orioles' first-round draft pick in 2013, hasn't pitched above low Class-A Delmarva, but he could move up the team's minor league system quickly.
He pitched just 87 2/3 innings last season and missed the last month of the season after he was shut down with elbow discomfort.
His inning limit will be adjusted incrementally. Because of that, it shouldn't be a surprise if Harvey sees three-inning outings early in the season.
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