SARASOTA, Fla. – Orioles manager Brandon Hyde provided some significant health and workout updates this morning, rattling off the morning advancements from a sheet of paper.
Got to keep it straight, and there were quite a few.
Left-hander DL Hall, who’s recovered from the discomfort in his lower back, completed a bullpen session today. Hyde said it “went well,” and Hall will throw live batting practice in a few days.
Closer Félix Bautista, who’s been restricted to bullpens while receiving treatments on his left knee and working to strengthen his right shoulder, also will threw live BP in the next few days.
Left-hander Nick Vespi, who underwent hernia surgery in January, will pitch in a simulated game later this week. Vespi remains confident that he’ll be ready for Opening Day if the Orioles want to bring him north.
Reliever Dillon Tate, who’s headed to the injured list with a forearm strain, had his first half-mound session this morning.
“Just saw him right now,” Hyde said. “Feels great. Said really encouraged by it, how his arm feels, so we’re just going to stay with the progression he’s on and go from there.”
An early projection had Tate perhaps missing the entire month of April. He's trying to beat it.
Infielder Terrin Vavra, who was scratched from Saturday’s lineup with a sore left shoulder, was cleared for full baseball activity today from a workout standpoint.
“Hoping for a game the next couple days,” Hyde said.
Ryan Watson is listed among the relievers today behind starter Kyle Gibson. Watson hasn’t pitched this spring after neck stiffness kept him out of the Feb. 27 game.
Also listed are Keegan Akin, Cionel Pérez and Reed Garrett.
Pitchers Nolan Hoffman, Nick Richmond, Jensen Elliott, Ryan Conroy and Phoenix Sanders, and outfielder Shayne Fontana, were summoned from minor league camp.
Hall of Famer Eddie Murray is in camp as the latest guest instructor. He was talking hitting earlier with Ryan Mountcastle and motioned for Adley Rutschman to join him during batting practice.
Pirates infielder Chris Owings gets his third start against his former team.
For the Pirates
Oneil Cruz SS
Rodolfo Castro 3B
Ji-Man Choi DH
Cal Mitchell LF
Connor Joe 1B
Chris Owings 2B
Ryan Vilade CF
Austin Hedges C
Miguel Andújar RF
Vince Velasquez RHP