Drake optioned, Joseph to be reassigned (Chavez homers)

LAKELAND, Fla. - The Orioles have reduced their camp roster to 47 players by optioning pitcher Oliver Drake (Navy) to Double-A Bowie. Catcher Caleb Joseph has been informed that he'll be reassigned to minor league camp, but he's likely to stay with the team through the weekend. Drake and Joseph are here for today's game against the Detroit Tigers. The Orioles are keeping tabs on the catching situations in other camps, gauging who might become available, but manager Buck Showalter seems comfortable with the in-house options if Taylor Teagarden begins the season on the disabled list. Also, reliever Jason Berken threw off flat ground and a half mound, and his left hamstring is feeling much better. "He's close to getting back in the mix," Showalter said. Tsuyoshi Wada, who threw a simulated game yesterday in Sarasota, could make his debut Sunday against the Atlanta Braves in Orlando. He'll go one or two innings. Alfredo Simon (groin) is doing better today and could pitch Saturday or Sunday. Zach Britton (shoulder) is scheduled to go two or three innings today in a minor league game at Twin Lakes Park. "It's a Low-A team, so they'll be swinging at anything," Britton said. "It should be exciting." Tommy Hunter will pitch in a minor league game tomorrow. He's slated to go four innings. Game update: Endy Chavez homered on the third pitch thrown by the Tigers' Justin Verlander to give the Orioles a quick 1-0 lead. Somewhere, Matt Angle is smiling. Chavez is 7-for-17 this spring. Verlander struck out the side after Chavez's homer, fanning Chris Davis on a 94 mph fastball to end the inning.