Orioles manager Buck Showalter provided the following updates during his pre-game session:
Nolan Reimold (hamstring) has progressed to the point that he should be able to go on a minor league rehab assignment when the Orioles head on the road June 17. The Bowie Baysox are home from June 18 to 23, so that would be a possibility.
Wei-Yin Chen (oblique) had his throwing session from a half mound in Sarasota, Fla., on Thursday. He'll throw from a full mound Saturday. If that goes well, he'll go with the Orioles on the road to continue his rehab. He'll throw in front of pitching coach Rick Adair – possibly in Detroit – before the club decides what his next step is. It's expected he'll go on a minor league rehab assignment.
Showalter said the club is still talking with lefty Tsuyoshi Wada (left elbow surgery in May 2012) about extending his stay in Triple-A Norfolk. Wada, on a rehab assignment that concludes this weekend, is 1-4 with an 8.14 ERA in six starts. He must give approval to be sent to the minors. The club expects he will.
Alexi Casilla (right index finger) is improving and the swelling in the finger is subsiding. He played catch and has no trouble swinging right-handed, though left-handed hitting is more difficult. He could be used as a pinch runner.
Steve Johnson (oblique) felt mild improvement for the first time since injuring his left side.
Right-hander Zach Clark, who pitched in one game with the Orioles this year, has been placed on the disabled list at Bowie with a hamstring injury. He's been in working on a knuckleball while with the Baysox.
One other note to pass on: Orioles get a switch of poison on Sunday. Instead of facing righty Clay Buchholz, who is 9-1 with a 1.74 ERA this season, they'll get Jon Lester who is 6-3 with a 4.12 ERA. Buchholz is dealing with neck stiffness and will be pushed back.
Sounds like good news except when you consider Lester is 16-1 with a 2.63 ERA in 21 starts against the Orioles.
Red Sox lineup: Ellsbury 8, Victorino 9, Pedroia 4, Ortiz DH, Napoli DH, Nava 7, Saltalamacchia 2, Middlebrooks 5, Drew 6. Doubront 1.
Orioles lineup: McLouth 7, Machado 5, Markakis 9, Jones 8, Davis 3, Wieters 2, Hardy 6, Valencia DH, Flaherty 4. Gausman 1.