Early notes on Britton, Tillman, Rickard and upcoming starters

Orioles closer Zach Britton will pitch Friday evening at Double-A Bowie if today's side session, as expected, didn't bring any discomfort in his left forearm area.

The Baysox have a 7:05 p.m. game against Akron at Prince George's Stadium.

Britton won't be activated from the disabled list before Sunday in New York. The Orioles will decide whether he needs another outing in the minors.

Britton hasn't pitched since April 14 in Toronto. He's allowed one run in seven innings and gone five-for-five chances, but he's also surrendered 10 hits and walked three batters.

Chris Tillman remains scheduled to pitch for Single-A Frederick on Thursday against Potomac.

Outfielder Joey Rickard, who went 2-for-6 in today's doubleheader at Single-A Delmarva, will come off the disabled list on Friday in New York. Stay tuned for the corresponding roster move, which is expected to involve a pitcher.

Kevin Gausman will start Friday night's series opener at Yankee Stadium, where he's 3-2 with a 2.38 ERA and 1.080 WHIP in nine games (six starts) over 41 2/3 innings.

Showalter said he's keeping his starters in turn, which puts Ubaldo Jiménez on the mound Saturday and Wade Miley on Sunday.

Dylan Bundy starts Monday's series opener against the Red Sox on Fenway Park. The Orioles need a fifth starter on Tuesday, which could be Tillman if he's ready.

As I wrote earlier, Showalter is giving shortstop J.J. Hardy a night off to keep him healthy. He also wanted to give Ryan Flaherty a second start, acknowledging that he's failed to keep the utility infielder "in the flow."

Showalter said the Orioles are expected to face four left-handed starters over the next six games.

Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius is expected to come off the disabled list on Friday. He injured his right shoulder in the World Baseball Classic.

For the Rays

Corey Dickerson DH
Kevin Kiermaier CF
Evan Longoria 3B
Brad Miller 2B
Steven Souza Jr. RF
Logan Morrison 1B
Tim Beckham SS
Shane Peterson LF
Derek Norris C

Alex Cobb RHP