Early notes on Matusz, Worley, Gausman, Paredes, Alvarez and more

Though it isn't official, the Orioles appear set to activate left-hander Brian Matusz from the disabled list on Saturday and give the start to Vance Worley.

Manager Buck Showalter said Matusz is a possibility for Friday night in Kansas City, but the reliever is more likely to be activated the following day. He worked four innings Tuesday night at Single-A Frederick and probably could use the extra recovery period.

Worley's status depends on whether he's needed out of the bullpen in the next two nights. He warmed up last night and would have entered the game in the 11th inning if the Orioles hadn't won on a walk-off passed ball.

Kevin Gausman is expected to come off the disabled list and start Monday night against the Rays at Tropicana Field.

Showalter didn't want to show his hand, saying only that Gausman "has a chance to pitch for us."

Jimmy Paredes had nine at-bats today at extended spring training, including five from the left side of the plate. He's going to join the Orioles on Monday at Tropicana Field and work out before heading on an injury rehab assignment.

Showalter and executive vice president Dan Duquette agree that Paredes would benefit from reconnecting with teammates before joining an affiliate.

Pedro Alvarez (4-for-32) is on the bench tonight against a right-hander, Toronto's Marco Estrada, but Showalter said a big reason is because he didn't want Nolan Reimold to keep sitting while swinging the bat "well." Showalter added that Alvarez probably will return to the lineup on Friday against Royals right-hander Chris Young.

Showalter said there's only one reliever tonight that he'd like to avoid using. Otherwise, the bullpen is fine despite last night's 10-inning affair.

Hunter Harvey hasn't experienced another setback after again being sidelined with soreness in his groin. Though he isn't pitching in games at extended spring training, "he's doing everything he's supposed to be doing," Showalter said.

Gray Fenter, the Orioles' seventh-round pick last year out of the West Memphis (Ark.) High School, underwent ligament-reconstructive surgery on his right elbow a few weeks ago. Fenter posted a 1.66 ERA in nine games (eight starts) last summer with the Gulf Coast League team.

Fenter received a $1 million signing bonus, well above the $178,300 allotted pool value of his pick. He had committed to Mississippi State.

For the Blue Jays
Michael Saunders LF
Josh Donaldson 3B
Jose Bautista RF
Edwin Encarnacion DH
Troy Tulowitzki SS
Russell Martin C
Justin Smoak 1B
Kevin Pillar CF
Ryan Goins 2B

Marco Estrada RHP