Hays shut down from baseball activities for three days

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. - Austin Hays will be shut down for three days after receiving an injection yesterday behind his right shoulder to alleviate discomfort that's kept him away from the outfield since the intrasquad game on Feb. 22 in Sarasota.

Hays has served as the designated hitter in two Grapefruit League games, with a late switch on Tuesday removing him from right field. He underwent an MRI yesterday on his shoulder/lat area that revealed some inflammation and led to the injection.

Manager Buck Showalter will provide more of an update on Hays after arriving at Charlotte Sports Park for today's game against the Rays. He could clarify whether Hays received a cortisone shot or platelet-rich plasma, though the latter probably would sideline him for a longer period.

"It was for anti-inflammation, but also to make you feel a little bit better so they can do some mobility stuff with it," Hays said.

"It's feeling good. I have no activity going on for three days, so Saturday and Sunday I'll start taking BP and hitting again. And after the off-day on Monday, I'll start throwing on Tuesday and see where it's at."

The Orioles considered a plan that would allow Hays to keep hitting and only be restricted from throwing, but it makes more sense to shut him down and silence the barking in his shoulder.

"Saturday and Sunday I'm good to swing because there's no pain whatsoever," Hays said. "Just get the inflammation down and you're good to go."

Hays, trying to engage in a competition for at least a part-time job in the outfield, said he's never experienced shoulder or arm soreness.

"It was good that we got it early before it progressed and went in a different direction," Hays said. "They did a good job."

The Orioles aren't listing their starter for Saturday's game against the Phillies in Clearwater, but Gabriel Ynoa opposes Red Sox's left-hander Jalen Beeks Sunday in Sarasota.

Kevin Gausman would be taking his normal turn on Saturday, but the Orioles want to make certain that he's fine after the home plate collision on Monday that produced a cut above his left eyelid and some soreness in his lower back. Gausman passed the concussion tests.

Today's travel roster includes reliever Jesus Liranzo, who's been slow-played this spring to make certain that his right shoulder is sound. Also in the bullpen are Joely Rodriguez, Perci Garner, José Mesa Jr., Tim Melville, Jeff Ferrell, Paul Fry, Lucas Long, Matt Wotherspoon and Ryan Meisinger.

The bench includes catchers Austin Wynns and Martin Cervenka, infielders Ruben Tejada, Garabez Rosa, Erick Salcedo, Adrian Marin and Drew Dosch, and outfielders Cedric Mullins, DJ Stewart and Jake Ring.