J.J. Hardy expected to go on DL

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

March 30, 2015, 1:09pm

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PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. - Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy is expected to begin the season on the disabled list after being diagnosed today with a strained muscle in his left shoulder.

An MRI arthrogram this morning revealed a subscapularis strain - a muscle underneath the shoulder blade - and Hardy is prohibited from doing any baseball activities for 10 days.

hardy hit white sidebar.jpg A trip to the DL would make Hardy eligible to play on April 11, but he wouldn't be ready on that date.

Hardy is the second former All-Star and Gold Glove winner headed to the DL. Catcher Matt Wieters may not return until closer to May.

Manager Buck Showalter passed along the news following a 6-6, 10-inning tie with the Rays.

Hardy suffered the injury on Friday while diving for a ground ball. He told reporters this morning that the shoulder felt much better and he was optimistic that he'd be ready on opening day.

Everth Cabrera and Ryan Flaherty can play shortstop in Hardy's absence, and it now appears that they both will make the 25-man roster along with second baseman Jonathan Schoop. Paul Janish and Jayson Nix remain in camp.

More to come.