Orioles' Brian Matusz, Jimmy Paredes have setbacks, plus other injury updates

FORT MYERS, FLA. — Orioles left-handed reliever Brian Matusz received a cortisone injection in his lower back following his one-inning Grapefruit League outing Sunday and might not be ready to return in time for the beginning of the regular season.

Matusz pitched a scoreless inning in the Orioles' 8-8 nine-inning tie Sunday, his first game action since the team's Grapefruit League home opener on March 2. He has been shelved since then with a strain on the right side of his lower back.

"We decided to inject that to clear it up completely," Orioles manager Buck Showalter said. "It might push him back a day or two with his outing, but we're hoping that manages it."

Paredes still ailing

Designated hitter/outfielder Jimmy Paredes, who has been out nearly three weeks with a left wrist sprain, will make a second trip to a hand specialist after his first attempt to take dry swings didn't go well Tuesday.

Paredes had been doing other baseball activities, including playing catch and taking swings with just his right hand, but his first attempt to take swings with both hands resulted in a setback.

This will be his second visit with Sarasota hand specialist Dr. Brian Schofield, who initially said Paredes had no structural damage in his wrist.

Paredes injured the wrist when his glove hand bent backward while attempting to make a sliding catch in a game against the Tampa Bay Rays on March 3.

Wieters throws

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Catcher Matt Wieters had his second throwing session from flat ground this morning, throwing from 90 feet. He began with a 25-throw session in which he gradually extended to 60 feet Sunday.

Wieters is getting at-bats in a minor league game today at Twin Lakes Park and Showalter said he is considering using Wieters as a designated hitter in Wednesday's Grapefruit League game.

Gausman doing well

Showalter said he spoke with right-hander Kevin Gausman this morning. Gausman told him that he was already feeling better from the cortisone injection he received Sunday to help deal with lingering right shoulder tendinitis.

The next two days will be important in determining whether Gausman will be ready by Opening Day. If the inflammation subsides, Showalter is optimistic that Gausman will be ready for the start of the season.

But if Gausman isn't ready by Opening Day, he might not be able to pitch for the club until April 11because of a rule that forces teams to lock up their rosters for Opening Day.

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