Notes on Matt Wieters, David Lough, Alejandro De Aza and lots more

SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles catcher Matt Wieters is having his right elbow X-rayed today as a precaution after being shut down with tendinitis. He's expected back in camp by the start of today's game.

"Just making sure everything's structurally right," said manager Buck Showalter. "Richie (Bancells) and them decided by the time I got back (yesterday) they were just going to go ahead and set it up and get it done. They talked with Dr. (Michael) Jacobs a little bit just to make sure we've got a baseline, before and after stuff.

"He actually said he felt pretty good today. I didn't see him. He was in and out quickly."

Outfielder David Lough is cleared to play after nursing a sore hamstring the past few days.

"He would have played during the season," Showalter said. "We just backed off it for a few games to make sure we cleared it up. Just a little knotty in there."

As opposed to "naughty," which is a separate issue.

Outfielder Alejandro De Aza received permission to leave the club yesterday to attend his grandfather's 99th birthday. He should be back in Sarasota later tonight.

De Aza told Showalter that he hasn't been home for his grandfather's birthday since he started playing baseball professionally. He has a daughter who celebrates her birthday on the same day.

Pitchers Ryan Webb (knee) and Jason Garcia (hamstring) are healthy now and should be available to pitch this weekend.

"It's just a matter of getting some sides and a little BP," Showalter said.

Catcher J.P. Arencibia had some gastro work done based on something that showed up on the physical. He also will return by the start of today's game.

Kevin Gausman and Wei-Yin Chen will pitch in separate minor league games on Friday at Twin Lakes Park. The purpose is to "manage the innings, manage the pitch count and get them up to where they need to be," Showalter said.

"That's the way Wally (Dave Wallace) wants to do it, and that's the way we're going to do it."

Miguel Gonzalez is starting Saturday against the Twins in Fort Myers. Minnesota is sending left-hander Tommy Milone to the mound.

Ubaldo Jimenez will start on Tuesday against the Pirates in Bradenton instead of staying on turn and pitching Monday at the minor league complex. The Orioles are off that day.

"He's on a good progression now, so I think you'll see him probably take a regular start with an extra day," Showalter said. "We'd like to keep him facing as good a competition and in as good an environment as possible. Not that that's a bad environment."

The Orioles probably will make two or three cuts within the next few days.

"We're going to be down to 18, 19 pitchers here shortly," Showalter said.

Veteran left-hander Mark Hendrickson stopped by camp today and will return on Friday to meet with Showalter.

Hendrickson said he hasn't decided whether to retire after the Orioles released him earlier this week. Showalter would like Hendrickson to stay in the organization as a coach or instructor.

Adam Gladstone won't return as replay coordinator.