Lindstrom scratched, Berken hurting and other notes

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. - Reliever Matt Lindstrom was scratched from Saturday's game against the Phillies in Clearwater because of lower-back discomfort. Manager Buck Showalter said four or five players are dealing with the same health issue, including third baseman Mark Reynolds and catcher Taylor Teagarden. They've being pushed back a day. Teagarden was supposed to catch today, but John Hester gets the start. Showalter is hoping it's just the usual camp soreness. (Showalter was including Tommy Hunter and Jim Johnson on that list, though they seem to be fine now.) Reliever Jason Berken's situation is more serious. His left hamstring grabbed this morning while he was throwing from 100 feet, further hurting his chances of making the club. As long as we're talking about injuries, minor league infielder Jonathan Schoop had been dealing with some "knee irritation," according to Showalter, but he played last night. Tsuyoshi Wada threw off a mound again today with no problems. His left elbow seems to be fine. He'll throw another bullpen session before progressing to live batting practice. Willie Eyre's bullpen session this morning also went well. Kevin Gregg has been added to Sunday's B game, which now will last nine innings. It starts at 10 a.m. Catcher Ronny Paulino is finally expected to report to camp today. More to come.



More notes from pregame session with Showalter
Nick Johnson in the field today
 

By accepting you will be accessing a service provided by a third-party external to https://www.masnsports.com/