Injury updates on Álvarez, Tillman, Rasmus and others

Pedro Álvarez tested his right hamstring this morning with some light running on the field, but he remains out of the lineup for Game 1 of today's doubleheader against the Rays.

The Orioles will use Mark Trumbo as their designated hitter.

Álvarez came out of Thursday's game against the Royals after experiencing spasms and some cramping in the hamstring.

"He moved around," said manager Buck Showalter. "We just got through doing some things. I was waiting on the lineup for a while to see if there was a different ... He's better today. I'm not going to elaborate on his availability today, but I'll leave it at that. I didn't think it was good enough to start today. I'm hoping that he's able to contribute soon."

Chris Tillman, on the disabled list with a strained muscle in his lower back, will stay with the club through the homestand. The Orioles haven't mapped out his schedule.

"First we've got to manage the back, making sure that's something we can resolve before there's a plan put in place," Showalter said. "I think we should probably have something by the end of this homestand, what direction that's going to go.

"I need to ask that question to Brian (Ebel), about what happens at the end of this homestand if he's not any markedly better."

Outfielder Colby Rasmus is progressing to where he could play in games "shortly," Showalter said.

Showalter confirmed that Triple-A Norfolk infielder Engelb Vielma will undergo surgery Tuesday on his fractured kneecap. He may be able to return before the season ends.

Dr. Leigh Ann Curl, the Ravens' head orthopedic surgeon, will handle the procedure.

Vielma could go on the 60-day disabled list, which would open a spot on the 40-man roster, but he'd receive major league pay.

Left-hander Ryan O'Rourke, recovering from Tommy John surgery, is throwing 90-92 mph at extended spring training and is close to joining an affiliate.

For the Rays
Denard Span LF
C.J. Cron DH
Joey Wendle 2B
Matt Duffy 3B
Brad Miller 1B
Adeiny Hechavarria SS
Mallex Smith CF
Carlos Gomez RF
Jesús Sucre C

Chris Archer RHP