Notes on Strop, Chen, Jurrjens, Wada, Reimold and more

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Orioles manager Buck Showalter said reliever Pedro Strop is "a consideration" to be activated from the 15-day disabled list before Saturday afternoon's game against the Rays at Tropicana Field. Strop threw an indoor bullpen session yesterday in Sarasota - heavy rains washed away his outdoor plans - and said his back feels good. He's eager to rejoin the bullpen. Wei-Yin Chen, who hasn't pitched since May 12 because of a strained oblique, threw from 90 feet today without any discomfort. It's the third time that Chen has increased the distance. "I think that'll start moving now," Showalter said. Second baseman Brian Roberts is taking a break from rehabbing in Sarasota to visit the Orioles at Tropicana Field. "Brian feels good today," Showalter said. "His six-week period is less than two weeks away. So far, so good." Jair Jurrjens is no longer listed as Saturday's starter for Triple-A Norfolk. The Tides haven't announced a starter, but Jurrjens is expected to be skipped because of a sore thumb. Jurrjens spun the ball yesterday during a throwing session and felt more discomfort. "I would be surprised," Showalter said. Tsuyoshi Wada had his best "stuff outing" last night for Norfolk, according to reports. Wada had a slight increase in his velocity. "That was good to see," Showalter said. "I know Ronny (Johnson) was pretty positive about it." Nolan Reimold, on the disabled list with a strained right hamstring, is "progressing well," according to Showalter. "He hasn't had any setbacks, but not 100 percent yet." Showalter had a chance to watch Calvert Hall catcher Alex Murphy, chosen by the Orioles today in the sixth round of the First-Year Player Draft, at last weekend's Brooks Robinson All-Star Game at Camden Yards. The Orioles took three catchers in the first six rounds in an obvious attempt to improve the quality of their depth. "I thought we had some good prospects as it is, but we just took the best players available," Showalter said. "I saw the Murphy kid in the All-Star Game the other day after our game. He's impressive. He's exciting. I hope we can sign him." Einar Diaz, an extra coach on the staff, will handle first base duties tonight while Wayne Kirby is attending his daughter's high school graduation. Kirby will rejoin the team on Saturday. "It's so quiet around here because Kirby's gone," Showalter said. Scott McGregor will fill in as Norfolk's pitching coach this weekend. Mike Griffin's mother passed away last night and he's flying to California today. "Keep him in your thoughts and prayers," Showalter said.