Britton cleared to throw on Monday (and other notes)

Orioles closer Zach Britton will play catch from 90 feet on Monday in his latest progression from a strained left forearm.

Britton's condition has improve to the point where he no longer feels discomfort, and an MRI on his elbow and arm didn't reveal any structural damage.

The Orioles scheduled an appointment on Monday with a hand specialist as the "final piece," in manager Buck Showalter's words, before Britton is cleared to throw.

Britton may pitch in a couple of rehab games before the Orioles activate him. He's been idle since April 14.

Outfielder Joey Rickard is hitting again today and could go on a rehab assignment as early as Monday. It depends how his left middle finger responds to consecutive days in the cage.

"It's gone really well," he said. "The next day it's progressing, so I'm just going to keep doing what I can without pain and hopefully I'll be out there soon.

"We'll see how everything reacts to the batting practice and everything that I took yesterday and today, but definitely on the right path."

Rickard's rehab assignment figures to be brief, perhaps no more than two games.

"I'm not sure, but it shouldn't be too long given the short time that I've been out," he said. "I wouldn't think more than a couple days, one or two days."

Rickard has been on the disabled list since April 9, when he sprained the finger while attempting to steal second base.

"I didn't have any way of knowing, but it's definitely gone probably a little quicker than I hoped for," he said. "The training room has done a really good job. I feel almost as good as new."

Chris Tillman remains scheduled to make his next rehab start Thursday for Single-A Frederick. He'll travel to Potomac for the game.

Tillman's shoulder feels good after last night's start in Harrisburg. He experienced a slight increase in velocity, according to Showalter, after topping out at 90 mph Monday evening in Bowie.

Outfielder Seth Smith told Showalter that his hamstring feels "pretty good."

"He's available to do some things," Showalter said.

With the new 10-day disabled list, an assignment can be backdated only three days. Today marks the fifth day that Smith has been sidelined, and the Orioles are hoping they can dodge the DL.

Showalter said Edwin Jackson is "moving toward" joining Triple-A Norfolk. We may get his schedule later today.

Left-hander Jayson Aquino remains on the 25-man roster. The Orioles considered optioning him following last night's start, but the forecast Tuesday isn't promising and they have an off-day Thursday.

Reports are showing that playing the outfield has been challenging for Pedro Álvarez down in Norfolk. Showalter noted that Álvarez is working hard at it. However, there's no way that Álvarez is ready to play the position at the major league level, and his opt-out date arrives next month.

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Trey Mancini is the first player with eight home runs among his first 15 career hits since the Blue Jays' Carlos Delgado in 1994. Delgado's eighth homer was his 13th hit.

For the Red Sox
Xander Bogaerts SS
Andrew Benintendi LF
Mookie Betts RF
Hanley Ramirez DH
Mitch Moreland 1B
Jackie Bradley Jr. CF
Christian Vázquez C
Pablo Sandoval 3B
Marco Hernandez 2B

Eduardo Rodriguez LHP