Hyde on illnesses, Milone and Carroll

SARASOTA, Fla. - Catcher Pedro Severino had a light workout today, finally able to get on the field after reporting to Orioles camp with a stomach virus.

Severino hit in the cage and threw, and he also watched the bullpen sessions while the other six catchers took their positions behind the plate.

"He's getting better every day," said manager Brandon Hyde.

Relievers Hunter Harvey and Mychal Givens were sent home again today, but Hyde said their health is improving.

"They're still feeling a little under the weather," Hyde said. "They were checked out. They felt better than yesterday, so that's positive and hopefully we'll see them out here in the next couple of days."

Left-hander Tommy Milone had his first bullpen session this morning after signing a minor league contract. He took the spot in Group 2 that had been reserved for Brady Rodgers, who remains sidelined with arm soreness but will attempt to throw on Sunday.

"He's a starting pitcher who's got a lot of experience and something that we're lacking, so we're bringing him in here to compete for a rotation spot," Hyde said.

"He just got here and his first bullpen day. We talked to him after and he said he felt good. Just looking forward to watching him pitch."

Milone and lefty Wade LeBlanc, teammates again after pitching for the Mariners in 2019, were used as bulk guys behind an opener. The Orioles aren't ready to have them repeat the role, but it does bring a certain appeal.

"I talked to Wade about that because they did that in Seattle against us. Wade came in after an opener," Hyde said. "It's really what your pitching staff looks like and how it's constructed. Last year, we had a tough time because we didn't have a long guy really to go after the opener. What happened with us a lot of times was using multiple bullpen arms in an opener start, which then really handcuffs us the next couple days.

"We're going to keep our options open with everything. It's something that both of those guys have done and it's something that we'll consider, but I think in an ideal world we have five starters and roll them out there."

Cody Carroll threw again today and is presenting himself as a bullpen option after recovering from disc surgery in his back last summer.

"Bouncing back off injury, we were talking to him in our meetings prior to camp and really encouraged by how he felt in the Arizona Fall League," Hyde said. "He physically looks great. Put a little weight on and his velo got back up where he wanted it at the end of the Fall League. All encouraging there.

"He threw the ball great in spring training last year, so he's one of those guys who's going to have a great opportunity."

Hyde is beginning to map out the month for his potential starters, but isn't ready to announce his pitchers for exhibition games.

New bullpen coach Darren Holmes meets with Austin Wynns and Miguel Castro before an Orioles workout.

Miguel Castro and Paul Fry head back to the clubhouse after their workout at Orioles camp in Sarasota, Fla.