Chen progressing, and other notes

Orioles left-hander Wei-Yin Chen will throw off a half mound on Thursday in Sarasota, and off a full mound on Saturday if he doesn't experience any setbacks in his recovery from a strained oblique. Chen could be in Baltimore by the weekend or early next week, as the Orioles monitor his progress and determine when he's ready to go on an injury rehab assignment. He would likely pitch in a simulated game before joining an affiliate. Brian Roberts took batting practice in the indoor cage today. Nolan Reimold is a little ahead of Roberts in his recovery from a strained right hamstring. When both players are ready for their rehab assignments, Terry Crowley will accompany them and provide progress reports. "He knows them real well," said manager Buck Showalter. Wilson Betemit continues to take ground balls in Sarasota, and he's still hoping to be activated from the disabled list shortly after the All-Star break. Dylan Bundy continues his daily flat-ground sessions in Sarasota and hasn't experienced any setbacks. Triple-A Norfolk first baseman Travis Ishikawa can opt out of his contract on Saturday, and executive vice president Dan Duquette said he wouldn't be surprised if Ishikawa landed a major league job. The Orioles don't currently have a spot for him, though they'd like to keep him in the organization. Ishikawa is batting .316/.413/.525 with 16 doubles, seven homers and 31 RBIs in 49 games. He's regarded as a plus-defender at first base. "It's his decision," Duquette said. "He's been playing pretty well." Confirmed Red Sox starters for the first three games of the series at Camden Yards that begins Thursday are Felix Doubront, Ryan Dempster and John Lackey. Sunday is TBA.