Machado set for Saturday lineup return (and more notes)

SARASOTA, Fla. - Third baseman Manny Machado is taking batting practice this afternoon with the Orioles, his cap spun backward and his hips gyrating to the music filtering through Ed Smith Stadium.

Machado returns to the lineup Saturday night against the Twins in Sarasota.

Welington Castillo also is back from the World Baseball Classic, and manager Buck Showalter is deciding whether to have him catch relievers Zach Britton and Brad Brach tonight against the Rays.

Castillo will catch Kevin Gausman and Dylan Bundy on separate fields Friday in minor league games at Twin Lakes Park. One pitcher will work at Triple-A game and the other a Double-A game.

"He'll catch one one inning, one the next inning and go back and forth," Showalter said. "He wanted to get some at-bats over there anyway."

Second baseman Jonathan Schoop arrives in Sarasota later tonight and will return to camp Friday or Saturday. The Orioles are getting the band back together.

Ryan Flaherty will start at second base Friday night against the Twins in Fort Myers.

Wade Miley will throw a side session on Thursday while his teammates are enjoying their day off. Miley could pitch Saturday in a minor league game.

Showalter wants to watch Mike Wright on Friday and Gabriel Ynoa on Saturday in Grapefruit League games, which is why he's sending other starters to Twin Lakes Park.

Chris Tillman remains scheduled to throw from 60-90 feet on Sunday to test his right shoulder.

Showalter also said outfielder Chris Dickerson, sidelined with a sore left shoulder, is "around the corner."

A few more cuts will be made tonight.

Dariel Álvarez has thrown off a half mound while making the conversion from outfielder to pitcher, and he's now ready to move onto a full mound.

Álvarez is scheduled to make his pitching debut on April 10 at one of the lower affiliates.