Showalter on Wieters and Alvarez, plus pregame notes from Fort Myers

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Orioles catcher Matt Wieters might have a sore right elbow, but for now it appears the concern level is low.

Before today's game here, manager Buck Showalter said no MRI for Wieters is planned yet. Wieters spoke with reporters about his elbow in Sarasota.

"There is a reason an MRI is not scheduled at this point," Showalter said. "If the next two or three days don't manage as we hope, that might happen. That is up to Richie (Bancells, head athletic trainer). He should be the lead guy. He's got the most history. He's been through every little step with him. They've (the training staff) got an emotional stake in this, too.

"Same thing I said yesterday and today, we'll see. X-ray looked good. I think they will try to let any problems kind of dissipate, whether there is any soreness or stiffness, and then see what the next step is in a couple of days.

"What would you think if you had some discomfort in an area where you had surgery? You'd have some concerns. We have good people that have history with him and we'll deal with it. Matt is very adept at handling what is going on with his body. He knows what he could mean to our club. We'll take each day."

Pedro Alvarez is making his O's debut today, batting fourth and playing first base. Alvarez has not played third base in the majors since 2014, but Showalter said he will likely see some time at third this spring. He also said Alvarez has plenty of time to get needed at-bats and could get some in minor league games if needed.

"He could very easily lead our team in plate appearances this spring," he said. "He doesn't have to apologize for anything he's done. He's been pretty good. Not a lot of guys floating around that have hit 20 or 30 home runs and played on good, competitive teams. He's got a chance to be a real find of the offseason, the way I look at it."

O's third base prospect Jomar Reyes is one of the minor league players that is with the Orioles here today. Showalter remarked that Reyes is in excellent shape, down from 260 to around 235 pounds. He worked with a trainer all offseason in the Dominican Republic.

Miguel Gonzalez is starting for the Orioles here this afternoon. He gave up seven runs in 1 1/3 in his first spring start and then one run over 2 2/3 in his last outing.

Upcoming starters for the Orioles: Yovani Gallardo on Monday at home against Philadelphia's Alec Asher, Chris Tillman on Tuesday in Dunedin against Toronto's Jesse Chavez and Kevin Gausman on Wednesday at home versus Pittsburgh's Juan Nicasio.

It looks like reliever Andrew Triggs could be headed to the Oakland A's and a spot on Oakland's 40-man roster. Triggs was released by the Orioles Thursday when Alvarez was added. The O's had some hope of re-signing him, but he looks headed for Oakland now.