J.J. Hardy and Ryan Flaherty nearing return

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

May 06, 2015, 1:56pm

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NEW YORK - Orioles manager Buck Showalter said it's possible that shortstop J.J. Hardy and infielder Ryan Flaherty could join the team Thursday at Yankee Stadium.

hardy flaherty highfive sidebar.jpg Flaherty isn't eligible to come off the disabled list until Friday, but he could travel with Hardy following tonight's game at Double-A Bowie. Hardy can be activated at any time after beginning the season on the DL with a left shoulder strain.

The Orioles will need to clear roster space for both players, and Showalter didn't discount the possibility that they could temporarily go with 11 pitchers. But who would leave the bullpen?

Kevin Gausman has options. Rule 5 pick Jason Garcia could be exposed to waivers.

Removing two position players is tricky. Rey Navarro figures to be optioned to Triple-A Norfolk, but Jimmy Paredes, Alejandro De Aza and David Lough are out of options. The Orioles could option infielder Everth Cabrera if they're comfortable with Steve Pearce as a fill-in at second base.

Pearce is available off the bench tonight. He's almost rid himself of the stomach virus.

Pearce would have served as the designated hitter tonight in an American League ballpark. However, the Orioles lost their DH in the interleague series at Citi Field.

Matt Wieters served as the designated hitter today at extended spring training and will catch six or seven innings on Thursday.

Wesley Wright will throw off a full mound Monday in Sarasota. Hunter Harvey will pitch on the same day at extended spring training.