Mark Hendrickson released and other Orioles notes (Davis homers)

CLEARWATER, Fla. - Lots of newsy nuggets from today's media session with manager Buck Showalter.

The Orioles have released veteran left-hander Mark Hendrickson, who allowed six runs in 3 1/3 innings this spring, including two yesterday against the Pirates with the score tied 2-2 in the eighth.

Showalter met with Hendrickson this morning before coming to Clearwater.

The Orioles want to keep Hendrickson in the organization and believe he would make a good pitching instructor, but the lefty would have to retire. He may not be ready.

Hendrickson had requested a tryout at minicamp in January and the Orioles signed him to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training.

More cuts are coming after the game, with at least two position players being sent to the minor league camp. A few pitchers on today's trip could be included in the cuts.

Left-hander Brian Matusz will make another start on Friday against the Red Sox in Fort Myers. The Orioles want him around 60 pitches.

Left-hander Wei-Yin Chen and Kevin Gausman will pitch at Twin Lakes Park on that same day.

Rule 5 pick Jason Garcia hasn't pitched since March 10 after tweaking his leg - Showalter wasn't sure whether it was hamstring or groin - on the final pitch of his last outing against the Yankees. However, Garcia should be "back in the fray shortly," according to Showalter.

The Orioles will monitor Hunter Harvey's innings early in the minor league season so he's available to them later in the summer. Yes, the kid has a chance to move up quickly.

Showalter said he'd be willling to use Everth Cabrera at every position except first base, catcher and pitcher. They need to determine the extent of his versatility. He's in center field this afternoon.

Showalter said he's going to carry 11 or 12 pitchers on opening day. Not 13.

I'll file quotes in my next blog entry. We're almost ready for first pitch here at Bright House Field.

Update: Chris Davis hit his second spring home run today, a three-run shot to left field off Cole Hamels in the first inning to give the Orioles a quick lead. Davis has eight RBIs in nine Grapefruit League games.

Cabrera walked and Steve Pearce singled before Davis stepped to the plate. Pearce is 9-for-21 this spring.

Delmon Young walked and Nolan Reimold singled on a hit-and-run, but Hamels escaped further harm.

Miguel Gonzalez retired the Phillies in order on 14 pitches, eight strikes, in the bottom of the first.