Quick hits from Fenway Park before tonight's game

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

June 15, 2016, 2:11pm

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BOSTON - Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy is back in Double-A Bowie's lineup tonight as the shortstop and No. 2 hitter.

Hardy went 2-for-3 and played six innings in the field last night. He's also expected to start on Thursday, though the Orioles are leaving it up to him.

Whether Hardy comes off the disabled list on Friday while the Orioles are home also rests primarily in his hands. If he's up to it, the Orioles likely will return him to their lineup.

Caleb Joseph continues to work out at Bowie and is expected to begin his injury rehab assignment on Friday at Single-A Frederick. Joseph will be used as the designated hitter until he's cleared in a few weeks to begin catching.

Manager Buck Showalter said reliever Darren O'Day's recovery from a strained right hamstring is moving slowly. Improvement is coming in small increments.

O'Day still needs to pitch in a couple of minor league games before he comes off the disabled list.

Mike Wright is scheduled to start Friday night in the Orioles' series opener against the Blue Jays at Camden Yards. He isn't in the bullpen tonight, though he could be used in relief if it's an extra-inning emergency.

The Orioles planned all along to start Tyler Wilson Thursday night at Fenway Park, but they needed to make sure that he wasn't needed in relief last night.

Left-hander Andy Oliver signed another minor league deal with the Orioles after opting out of his contract at Triple-A Norfolk two weeks ago.

Oliver posted a 2.08 ERA in 13 games (four starts) with the Tides.