J.J. Hardy taking batting practice today

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

April 15, 2015, 12:50pm

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Shortstop J.J. Hardy is taking live batting practice today in Group 4, another significant step in his eventual activation from the disabled list.

Hardy tested his left shoulder by taking dry swings and hitting off a tee and coach soft toss. He's scheduled for batting practice today and at 3 p.m. Thursday before the Orioles fly to Boston.

jj-hardy-ALCS gray sidebar.png If Hardy's left shoulder responds favorably, he's expected to begin an injury-rehab assignment Friday at Double-A Bowie. Hardy said he won't need 20 at-bats to get ready, so his stint in the Eastern League should be brief.

Matt Wieters threw from 120 feet today, caught three bullpen sessions and the starting pitcher, and received five at-bats in a simulated game in Sarasota.

Jimmy Paredes played right field today and is headed to Baltimore. He'll take batting practice on Thursday and meet with manager Buck Showalter before the Orioles decide whether to send him to Bowie that day or wait until Friday.

My guess is he's going to debut for the Baysox on Friday, but we'll see.

In a related story, you may want to head over to Prince George's Stadium on Friday.

For the Yankees
Jacoby Ellsbury CF
Chase Headley 3B
Carlos Beltran RF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Brian McCann C
Alex Rodriguez DH
Stephen Drew 2B
Chris Young LF
Didi Gregorius SS

Nathan Eovaldi RHP