Hyde on Cobb, Harvey, Hardy and more

SARASOTA, Fla. - Alex Cobb is going to wait a little longer before making another start.

Cobb will pitch in a simulated game Friday while the Orioles play the Yankees in Tampa. His next start is March 11 versus the Blue Jays in Dunedin.

"He threw right around 50 pitches yesterday and looked great and he felt great after," said manager Brandon Hyde. "Actually threw a little bit more than we had planned for and he felt outstanding during it and after, so we're good to go."

The adjustments made to Cobb's schedule, in part a concession to the illness that struck earlier in camp, won't impact his availability on opening day.

"No, he's right where he needs to be from a pitch-count standpoint," Hyde said.

Today's lineup is missing a few regulars, including shortstop José Iglesias, outfielder Anthony Santander and catcher Pedro Severino. Hyde is resting them today because they're going to play Tuesday against the Nationals in West Palm and Wednesday against the Marlins in Jupiter.

Reliever Hunter Harvey is making his Grapefruit League debut today.

"He threw a sim game a few days ago and he's throwing the ball real well," Hyde said. "It's his first game action and hopefully it goes well."

The Orioles made five roster cuts following yesterday's 3-2 win over the Phillies, reassigning pitchers Zac Lowther and Alexander Wells and infielders Mason McCoy, Rylan Bannon and Malquin Canelo to minor league camp.

"I talked to all of those guys," Hyde said. "I thought Lowther threw the ball (well) yesterday. Velo was up. I thought he had a really good pitch mix. I like his stuff. So I thought that was a positive experience for him.

"I like all those guys. McCoy, Bannon, Canelo, they did a really nice job while they were here. They played very well defensively. It's tough to get sporadic at-bats in big league camp. An at-bat here, two at-bats every other day, and they did a nice job competing in the at-bats that they had. So I thought it was a good experience for all of them and they're all going to come back up here throughout the major league spring training."

J.J. Hardy was on the field this morning for batting practice on his first day as a guest instructor in camp. He's going to be with the club for a week.

"You know, I just met J.J. this morning," Hyde said. "I've known J.J. from the other side of the field, but I never met him. The people that have been in this organization when he was around, they speak so incredibly highly of him. I think he brings professionalism, just like all of the guys that we've had with B-Rob (Brian Roberts) and Ben (McDonald) and Niner (Jeff Conine). Scotty McGregor, who's still with us. Those types of guys. They've done a lot of really good things in their career, they mean a lot to the organization.

"It's great to have them rub elbows with our guys who are in camp and, hopefully they enjoy it as well. I just want them to enjoy the experience they have here, and I'm sure our guys are going to learn a lot from just having him around."

Hardy, winner of three Gold Gloves with the Orioles, won't be restricted to working only with the shortstops.

"He's free to add helping tips along the way," Hyde said. "I just want him to be comfortable. Flo (José Flores) is going to have him out there when we're doing infield stuff and if our guys can gain a little knowledge, that would be great."

For the Rays
Austin Meadows LF
Manuel Margot CF
Michael Perez C
Hunter Renfroe RF
Ji-Man Choi 1B
Willy Adames SS
Joey Wendle 2B
Daniel Robertson 3B
Brian O'Grady DH

Charlie Morton RHP