Hardy participating in fielding drills at The Trop

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

April 07, 2015, 11:02am

Comments

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy is engaging in fielding drills this afternoon before batting practice, another sign that he's ahead of schedule.

Hardy was supposed to be shut down for a minimum of 10 days due to a strained muscle in his left shoulder, keeping him off the field until Friday at the earliest. He's eligible to return from the disabled list on Saturday.

The Orioles have been encouraged by the daily reports on Hardy supplied by team orthopedist Dr. Michael Jacobs. Hardy said the swelling has gone down in the shoulder and he regained full range of motion. All he needed was clearance to participate in drills.

Hardy fielded ground balls, ranging to his backhand side, and made throws back to home plate and across the diamond to first base. Later, he flipped to ball to second base as if simulating a double play.

It's still a reach to expect Hardy to ready by Saturday, since he needs to collect at-bats. Manager Buck Showalter projected yesterday that outfielder David Lough (hamstring) will be the first Oriole to come off the disabled list on Saturday.

"I'm not sure about J.J. yet," Showalter said yesterday.

Hardy underwent an MRI arthrogram on March 30 in Sarasota and was given the diagnosis.

First baseman Chris Davis took early batting practice and will come off the restricted list before tonight's game. He's expected to replace catcher Steve Clevenger on the 25-man roster.

Clevenger is playing catch on the field while a few Rays take early batting practice.