Jurrjens could pitch this weekend

SARASOTA, Fla. - Pitcher Jair Jurrjens will play catch this morning and could appear in Saturday's game against the New York Mets if the discomfort in his ribcage continues to subside. Jurrjens woke up feeling much better today, in large part due to the anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxers that were prescribed. Jurrjens had to leave Wednesday night's start against the New York Yankees in the second inning after being nailed by a line drive. "I feel good. It's gotten better," he said. Meanwhile, Jake Arrieta said he has no idea whether he's the No. 4 starter when the Orioles break camp. He asked reporters if they knew when he would make his next start. The guess here is that manager Buck Showalter will reveal his plans after today's game against State College of Florida. Ryan Flaherty hasn't been told whether he's on the 25-man roster. He stood at his locker this morning sipping a large iced coffee drink and watching teammates pack up boxes to be shipped back to Baltimore. Rule 5 pick T.J. McFarland sat at his locker and did the same, unsure whether he would be on the opening day roster, picked up by another team off waivers or returned to the Cleveland Indians. The Orioles want to keep him. It became much easier after they placed Chris Tillman on the disabled list yesterday with an abdominal strain. Tillman said he will talk to reporters after today's start. Steve Johnson hasn't been told whether he's going on the disabled list, but it's inevitable. He's still shut down because of a strained right lat. Johnson hasn't pitched since March 22 and the DL assignment could be backdated to where he wouldn't miss much time. Johnson can't provide an update on how he's feeling because the discomfort only surfaces when he attempts to throw. He's fine now because he's resting. Going back to the Brian Roberts' story, we haven't been told who is batting leadoff on opening day and beyond, but Nick Markakis would appear to be the choice. He hit first again last night against Price. However, as I've pointed out, Showalter is trying to give him extra plate appearances. The new media guide is here, the new media guide is here!