Lough may be headed to disabled list

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

March 29, 2015, 12:20pm

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SARASOTA, Fla. - David Lough won't play on Monday due to a sore hamstring and has become a strong candidate for the disabled list.

Lough already was sidelined with back spasms. He was scheduled to start against the Rays in Port Charlotte, but that's no longer a possibility.

Orioles manager Buck Showalter believes the injuries are related and he didn't sound optimistic that Lough, who's 5-for-27 (.185) this spring, would be cleared to play anytime in the near future. If he's placed on the DL, Lough would be eligible to come off on April 11.

Alejandro De Aza will start in center field on Monday and could back up Adam Jones during the regular season. Everth Cabrera also can play center if he makes the club. Showalter likes Julio Borbon's defense in center, but he's more likely to start at Triple-A Norfolk.

Lough hasn't played since last Sunday. He was scratched from Tuesday's game in Bradenton with the back spasms.

Putting Lough on the DL would increase the chances of Jimmy Paredes making the team. Paredes continues to swing a hot bat, doubling twice today in Dunedin.

Catcher J.P. Arencibia was supposed to play today against the Blue Jays, but he was scratched due to lingering discomfort in his right arm. He's been diagnosed with a strained flexor mass and could begin the season on the minor league disabled list.

Showalter said he's leaning toward starting Miguel Gonzalez in the season-opening series against the Rays at Tropicana Field.

Also, third baseman Manny Machado played all nine innings today in a 6-5 loss to the Twins.