With several players on the disabled list, Buck Showalter is in the habit of updating the media every day on the progress of his injured players. A couple of players are nearing minor league rehab assignments.
Here's the news:
Catcher Matt Wieters (elbow) played catch from 120 feet Wednesday in Sarasota, Fla. Showalter said Wieters also "caught three bullpens and the starting pitcher." Wieters has yet to catch in a game since being shelved in March, but he did have five plate appearances in a simulated game Wednesday. There is no timetable for his return.
Shortstop J.J. Hardy told reporters he was excited to be listed in a normal hitting group for outdoor batting practice Wednesday, the first time he has done that since going on the DL with a left shoulder strain during spring training. "Big news," Hardy joked Wednesday while pointing to his name in the batting group. He'll stay back Thursday when the team heads to Boston and take batting practice again. Then he likely will begin a rehab appearance with Double-A Bowie.
Infielder-outfielder Jimmy Paredes (lower back) had at least four at-bats and played right field in a game in Florida on Wednesday, Showalter said. He left Sarasota for Baltimore after the game and will meet with Showalter on Thursday.
"Obviously, he is going to need some games, probably in Bowie is where it fits. We'll see," Showalter said. "We are going to let him settle in. He'll probably hit here with J.J. [on Thursday], I hope."
Paredes likely then will go to Bowie, along with Hardy, on Friday.
Here are the lineups for Wednesday's rubber match between the Orioles and New York Yankees.
Orioles: De Aza 9, Cabrera 6, Jones 8, Snider DH, Davis 3, Machado 5, Joseph 2, Lough 7, Schoop 4. Norris 1.
Yankees: Ellsbury 8, Headley 5, Beltran 9, Teixeira 3, McCann 2, Rodriguez DH, Drew 4, Young 7, Gregorius 6. Eovaldi 1.