Wynns: "I'm trying to get back as fast as I can"

LAKELAND, Fla. - Austin Wynns remains hopeful that he can get back in the lineup within a few days and continue his fight for a spot on the opening day roster as the Orioles wind down the exhibition portion of their spring training.

Wynns hasn't been able to play due to a strained left oblique. He did some defensive work yesterday on one of the back fields and has been hitting in the cage, but he's set to ramp up his activities.

"I'm like full-go defensive, throwing running," he said. "Right now it's just getting that mobility and that swing right again."

Wynns will hit soft tosses on Tuesday and attempt to take live batting practice on Wednesday, which, if successful, clears him to reappear in games.

"It's an oblique and you know me, my mentality, I'm trying to get back as fast as I can," he said. "This oblique, it's like, I've got to listen to my body. Timeframe-wise, it's been day-to-day and I'm stubborn. I'm like, 'It's not that bad.'

"It's not bad, it's just building back up to get it right."

Wynns said he's been told to "shoot for the 20th," though he isn't certain if the club is aiming for him to play again on that date.

"They didn't clarify," he said, "but I'm like, 'All right, I'm going to be full-go.'"

Though the catching competition moves along without Wynns, he hasn't given up on the idea of making the club as the starter or backup or in a platoon-type situation.

Jesús Sucre, Chance Sisco, Carlos Pérez and Andrew Susac remain in camp.

"We'll see what they do, but I'll be ready as fast as I can," said Wynns, who's 1-for-8 with three walks in six games.

"Time is limited for sure. Mentally and physically, I'll be ready for opening day no matter what. That's my mentality. I'm not going to change it. I'm driven to get back."

Relievers listed behind Andrew Cashner today have been pared down to Nate Karns, Richard Bleier, Miguel Castro and Mychal Givens. Castro is pitching on back-to-back days.

Givens will do the same Tuesday against the Twins behind starter Dylan Bundy. Jimmy Yacabonis, Evan Phillips and Josh Lucas also are listed.

Upcoming Orioles starters: David Hess Wednesday night against the Red Sox in Sarasota, Josh Rogers Thursday afternoon versus the Pirates in Bradenton and Mike Wright Friday night against the Blue Jays in Dunedin.

The Orioles have brought pitchers Lucas Long, Jay Flaa, Luis Ysla and D.J. Snelten, catcher Cael Brockmeyer, infielders Zach Vincej and Anderson Feliz and outfielders Mike Yastrzemski and Ryan McKenna from minor league camp.

Ryan Mountcastle also is here and he's the designated hitter.

For the Tigers
Josh Harrison 2B
Nicholas Castellanos RF
Miguel Cabrera 1B
Jeimer Candelario 3B
John Hicks C
Mikie Mahtook CF
Cameron Rupp DH
Jordy Mercer SS
Cam Gibson LF

Jordan Zimmermann RHP