Injury updates, McKenna's impressive start and more

Orioles first baseman Chris Davis remains unavailable due to soreness in his lower back and is being examined by other doctors, according to manager Brandon Hyde.

Davis had two at-bats in the first game and felt a twinge in his back.

"Davis' back is still sore," Hyde said during today's Zoom call. "He is seeing some doctors about it. I don't have a timeline on that."

Outfielder DJ Stewart is out of the lineup again with a sore hamstring, but his condition is improving.

"We hope to see him in game by next week," Hyde said.

Stewart's idle stretch doesn't necessarily threaten his roster spot on opening day. It didn't impact Anthony Santander and Dwight Smith Jr. coming out of last year's summer training camp.

"It's too early," Hyde said. "It's a hamstring, so we're going to be conservative with it, but he is improving every day and ... I would expect him to be ready."

Infielder Richie Martin has moved his workouts to the Ed Smith Stadium complex following his surgery and recovery from a broken hamate bone.

"Hoping to have him in game action by the weekend," Hyde said.

Alexander Wells remains on a throwing program due to soreness in his oblique.

Left-hander Wade LeBlanc and Ashton Goudeau pitched in a simulated game yesterday. LeBlanc worked three innings, which explains why he hasn't appeared in any exhibition games since March 3.

"That was his day to throw and we had an off-day," Hyde said.

Hyde indicated Pedro Severino and Chance Sisco have solid holds on the two catching spots and will get most of the work in the second half of camp.

Today's relievers are Bruce Zimmermann, Conner Greene, Cody Carroll and Jay Flaa.

The travel roster includes infielders Terrin Vavra, Jordan Westburg and Adam Hall, outfielders Yusniel Diaz and Ryan McKenna and catchers Austin Wynns and Taylor Davis.

McKenna is 2-for-4 with a double and five walks and offers plus defense in center field.

"Disappointed that he didn't get a chance to play a full year last year, just because I feel like he is making improvements," Hyde said. "I know the guys were happy with some swing adjustments he made last year at the Bowie site. I think he's come in here and played well.

"Ryan's got a lot of tools. He runs well, he throws very well, he can play center field, he can play both corner spots, adds some versatility to our outfield. I think you'll see him play a little bit more the next couple weeks just to give him a little longer look and some starts, give him some ABs against potentially major league pitching.

"He played in the B game the other day in Bradenton and swung the bat pretty well. I have seen Ryan improve, and still a young player, still learning, but he's making some nice adjustments."

Today's game is seven innings.

Left-hander Keegan Akin is starting Tuesday afternoon's game against the Blue Jays in Sarasota.

For the Twins
Max Kepler RF
Josh Donaldson 3B
Nelson Cruz DH
Jorge Polanco 2B
Miguel Sanó 1B
Mitch Garver C
Alex Kirilloff LF
Keon Broxton CF
JT Riddle SS

Kenta Maeda RHP