Hardy to undergo MRA on left shoulder

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

March 28, 2015, 8:48am

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TAMPA, Fla. - Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy will undergo an MRA on his left shoulder Monday in Sarasota and won't be available to play before the following day.

Hardy jammed his shoulder while diving for a ball during Friday's game against the Rays and the discomfort worsened this morning. He wasn't scheduled to make today's trip to George M. Steinbrenner Field.

Hardy Fielding Black wide.jpg An MRA involves the injection of dye into the shoulder. It's not going to come back clean because Hardy underwent labrum surgery in 2004 and missed the majority of the minor league season. However, the Orioles will be able to determine whether he sustained a new injury.

Manager Buck Showalter said Everth Cabrera would be "a candidate" to play shortstop if Hardy is lost for an extended period.

Also, outfielder David Lough (back) and catcher J.P. Arencibia (right flexor mass) are expected to play Sunday in split-squad games.

Showalter said he's still comfortable with the catchers in camp and no names from outside the organization have come up that the Orioles prefer over the in-house candidates. More trade possibilities could open up later this spring.

Minor league pitcher Zach Davies will start Monday against the Rays in Port Charlotte. Left-hander Wei-Yin Chen will pitch in a minor league game.

This is another indication that Chen will pitch in the opening series at Tropicana Field.