FORT MYERS, Fla. — Orioles manager Buck Showalter admitted Saturday what seemingly has been an inevitability: Catcher Matt Wieters is "unlikely" to start the regular season with the team because of tendinitis he is experiencing in his surgically repaired right elbow.
Wieters, who had Tommy John (ligament replacement) surgery on June 17, has been shut down from playing since catching last Tuesday — his first time behind the plate in a Grapefruit League game exhibition this year.
The former All Star was examined by team orthopedist Michael Jacobs, who also has spoken with Dr. James Andrews, Wieters' surgeon, and it was agreed that Opening Day on April 6 is too optimistic for Wieters' return, Showalter said.
"Dr. Jacobs is here and did look at Matt completely and I know he has been talking with Dr. Andrews, too," Showalter said. "And I think … the start of the season is unlikely."
Showalter has always cautioned that Wieters may not be ready by Opening Day, but this was the first time he publicly confirmed that sentiment. Wieters said Friday that he was simply slowing down his rehab and not shutting it down, and had remained hopeful that he'll be back catching at some point soon. But he also never committed to Opening Day.
If Wieters is put on the 15-day disabled list when first permitted by MLB rules this spring, he could be eligible to return to the team by April 11 — the second game of the Orioles' first homestand. That date, however, also appears to be unrealistic. Wieters' DL stint may last deep into April or early May — until he shows he can throw without hesitation or soreness.
"This is usually a 10-month (process) at least, especially with catchers. You're hearing people go down with this and you are talking 12 to 14 months. We're on — if not ahead of — schedule. A lot of people, when it originally happened, thought even May 1 was a push," Showalter said. "So I think from Matt's standpoint I don't want him to have some false deadline where someone would view it as (a setback if he doesn't reach it). I'm excited about where we are with it. It is going to happen; it's just a matter of when."
He said Wieters can focus on his rehab and not trying to rush back.
"I and we, in talking to Matt and the doctors, don't want to him to have some day-to-day (report) where someone says, 'How does it feel today? How does it feel yesterday?' … Just take it in the increments that a surgery of this type needs," Showalter said. "We like the reports we're getting back on it. We like where it is headed, but we want to make sure it has completely dissolved itself and let him catch without any mental worries."
Showalter again said putting Wieters on the 25-man roster as a designated hitter for the start of the season is not a viable option. So if he can't catch, he will remain on the DL.
"Yeah I do think he should (remain DL'd), because (hitting) doesn't help his rehab," Showalter said. "Who knows? If he is not here for Opening Day, which we think is unlikely, how do we best get him really good? Does he stay down here does he go with us? That's the next step. We'll kick around (with) Matt on that."
Showalter said earlier last week that Wieters could be the DH in Wednesday's exhibition game. He still hasn't ruled that out but, given Saturday's proclamation, that also seems unlikely.
With Wieters out, Caleb Joseph becomes the club's primary starter at catcher. The backup spot likely is up for grabs between Steve Clevenger, Ryan Lavarnway and J.P. Arencibia. Brian Ward, who has already been sent to the minors, also could be a possibility.
"We know that Wieters wants to be out there. He's been doing a great job and obviously, he's not ready," said Orioles pitcher Miguel Gonzalez. "He doesn't feel quite ready yet, so they're going to take it easy on him and go day-by-day and see how he feels. We're definitely excited to see him out there again and, hopefully by May, he's 100 percent and ready to go."
dan.connolly@baltsun.com