Showalter pregame on Schoop hitting second, Hardy and more

HOUSTON - A few quick notes from manager Buck Showalter's pregame media session today:

* Showalter's reasoning for batting Jonathan Schoop second tonight:

"When I hit Jon down there (lower in the lineup), the challenges he has had with left-handed pitching. When I put him down there between (Pedro) Alvarez and sometimes (Ryan) Flaherty, it creates really three advantages for a left-handed pitcher. So this way, at least I know, in that spot in the order, he is going to face a right-handed pitcher. Until he figures out a way to be a little bit better against left-handed pitching. He has turned into a reverse-split guy and he's better than that. That and tonight I wanted to get (Hyun Soo) Kim and Nolan (Reimold) out there, they haven't played in a while."

Schoop is batting .257/.316/.429 against lefty pitchers and .280/.295/.508 versus right-handers.

* Right-hander Yovani Gallardo threw another bullpen session today in advance of a two-inning simulated game set for Saturday in Cleveland. Showlater said he didn't see the session, but if anything went wrong, he would have heard about it.

* Left-hander T.J. McFarland is progressing well since he injured his left knee and left a start after one inning Friday for Triple-A Norfolk. He had an MRI that was clean over the weekend.

"McFarland threw and feels good," Showalter said. "He's going to throw in some form of a game Friday or Saturday, maybe an inning or two. They put him on the DL, so it would have to be a sim game or (they would) send him to Sarasota.

* Shortstop J.J. Hardy, on the disabled list retroactive to May 2 with a fractured left foot, is in Sarasota continuing his rehab. Is he getting close to doing weight-bearing exercises?

"Richie (Bancells, head athletic trainer) actually told me yesterday we should not try to get too fast with this," Showalter said. "He comes out of the boot a lot, they do a lot of exercises and he was a little sore. Not sure if it was from the exercises. Richie wants to make sure the soreness is from the exercises they are doing. Structurally, he's fine, he's healed. So that should happen shortly."

* Showalter said Orioles pitching prospect Hunter Harvey threw some today off flat ground. Harvey had sports hernia surgery earlier this month and he is basically starting his spring training over again.

"He felt good. So it is good to get that going. He's on his way again," Showalter said.