Ford reassigned, and a batch of other notes (game update)

FORT MYERS, Fla. - The Orioles have reassigned outfielder Lew Ford to minor league camp. Ford was 15-for-37 (.405) with three doubles, two homers and six RBIs in 17 games. "Lew has a chance to help us," said manager Buck Showalter. The Orioles have 37 players in camp, including nine non-roster invitees. The Orioles could make one or two more cuts Wednesday. Showalter told reporters that left-hander Mark Hendrickson, who hasn't allowed a hit or run in his last four outings, is still "in the mix here" for a bullpen job. Otherwise, Hendrickson will be assigned to Triple-A Norfolk or Double-A Bowie, which would be closer to his York, Pa., home. He won't be kept at extended spring training. The Orioles are still debating whether to place Chris Tillman on the disabled list, which would free up a spot on the 25-man roster. More information may be coming on Wednesday. Steve Johnson was pushed back to Thursday because of discomfort in his lower back, and now that start is in jeopardy. It's uncertain whether he will pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays in Sarasota. If Rule 5 pick T.J. McFarland makes the club, it will be as a multi-inning reliever for now, according to Showalter. Showalter referred to the results of Wilson Betemit's MRI on his right knee as "as good as we could have expected." It's possible that Betemit could undergo an arthroscopic procedure on his knee that wouldn't involve a full reconstruction of the PCL and wouldn't influence the timetable for his return. Showalter said "some of the dynamics changed" in relation to the construction of his 25-man roster following Betemit's injury. This could mean that it would be valuable for an extra bench player to be flexible enough to play a position other than the outfield. Russ Canzler isn't likely to be brought back after the Orioles optioned him to Norfolk. Canzler made quite an impression this spring. Showalter is a big supporter. Jim Johnson and Darren O'Day threw today at Twin Lakes Park so they could go back-to-back days. Showalter isn't inclined to go with a three-man bench on opening day. Kevin Gausman is scheduled to work four or five innings, or around 75 pitches, in today's start against the Minnesota Twins. Game update: Nick Markakis singled on the first pitch thrown by Twins starter Liam Hendriks, and the first pitch he's seen since March 1. Adam Jones singled with one out, but Chris Davis grounded into a double play.