Injury updates on Hardy and Gallardo

The latest X-rays taken yesterday on the left foot of Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy showed the level of healing that the club hoped for since putting him on the disabled list.

"Looks good," said manager Buck Showalter, who conferred with head athletic trainer Richie Bancells. "Richie was saying if you didn't really know exactly what you were looking for and knew the exact spot, you wouldn't see anything. He said it's almost healed. So we're hoping when we get back off this trip, he'll be back here.

"The 29th is the four-week mark, so start some weight-bearing stuff down there with Dave (Walker). Richie spoke with Dave Walker in depth today about everything that's going on. Just pass it off to Dave. We're lucky to have him. He's really good down there and Richie has a lot of confidence in him.

"It's doing everything you'd hope it would do, heal, and at the rate you would hope. So far so good."

Hardy, who appeared in 22 games before the injury, is expected to go on an injury rehab assignment before the Orioles activate him.

"That would be my first blush at it, that he'd need to go get some at-bats somewhere," Showalter said. "It'll be over a month. But we haven't gotten that far with him yet. Who knows, maybe it's going so well, he stays there for a few days and gets some down there."

Hardy continues to wear a walking boot and he's been instructed to keep using his crutches.

"Guys were kidding him, trainers, because your foot's in that boot so much, he had to switch out boots," Showalter said. "It gets a little dated. How's that? Test a new marriage."

Hardy will do exercises on the treadmill at the Ed Smith Stadium complex that's submerged in a pool. He eventually will graduate from doing only non-weight bearing exercises and begin applying pressure with the foot.

"Trying to keep everything else in working order, so once he's ready to start playing ... I'm hoping it won't be long after we get back off this trip that he's ready to play," Showalter said.

Hardy has been given an assignment in Sarasota beyond the rehab. He's also going to play scout.

"I gave him a list," Showalter said. "He's on a mission. Gave him about six or seven names. I said, 'Come back with a full report on these six or seven guys down there at extended.' So he's got something to do."

Yovani Gallardo was on the field early this morning to play catch for the second consecutive day.

"Yovani had another good day," Showalter said. "Second day in a row at 120 feet. It might have been even better than yesterday. So that's a good sign.

"Today's a big work day for him. He'll do the cuff exercises. He'll take two days off from throwing and then get on the mound on Sunday in Anaheim. So that's good on two fronts there."